Obituary of Joseph F. Peterson, Sr.

Joseph F. Peterson, Sr., 85, of Hopewell Twp. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 18. 2020 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland. Born in Bridgeton to the late George R. Peterson and Eleanor Couch Peterson, he was the husband of Francine Rosello Peterson. Joe had lived in Hopewell for the past 62 years and before that he had resided in Bridgeton. Prior to his retirement 23 years ago, Joseph had worked as a pipe fitter at E.I. DuPont Chemical Co. in Deepwater. He had been previously employed by Petrunis Plumbing Co., Owens Illinois Glass Co. and Kerr Glass Co. He was a member of the former Redman's Club in Bridgeton and the former Mary Elmer Fire Co. in Bridgeton for 25 years where he served as Chief and had been involved in running the Bingo games at the fire hall. Joe was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem and a former member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Bridgeton. In his free time, he loved to watch cowboy movies, spending time on his farm with his horses, donkey, chickens, pigs, cattle and farm cats. He and Francine would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year on July 21st. He is survived by his wife, Francine Peterson of Hopewell Twp.; three children, Wendy M. Peterson Laning and her husband, John, Jr. of Fairfield Twp., Tammy Jo Peterson of Hopewell and Joseph F. Peterson, Jr. and his wife, Jan of Hopewell Twp.; four grandchildren, Kassandra J. Laning Runkle (Rob), John M. Laning III (Jen), Joseph F. Peterson III and Kayla Ann Peterson; four great- grandchildren, Robert Runkle, Jr., Matthew W. Runkle, Mary Laning and John M. Laning IV; his close friend and coffee buddy, Dr. Mark Levitski; his neighbor and honorary son, William Impellizzeri and his honorary son and manager of the local Tractor Supply, Uche Ojukwll. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Martha M. Laning and six siblings, Julia Burnight, Anna Dickerson, George R. Peterson, Jean Poloff, Kathleen Peterson and Elizabeth Johnson. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.