Harry C. Peterson, 91, of Sarasota, Florida passed away September 5, 2013 at Tidewell Hopsice House.

Harry was born in Newark, NJ to Ellen Peterson. His father Cedric, a motorcycle policeman, was killed in the line of duty shortly before his birth.

At the outbreak of World War II, Harry enlisted in the US Navy. He served aboard the USS O'Bannon from her commission in June 1942 until the end of the war where she had the distinction along with two other destroyers of escorting the USS Missouri into Tokyo Bay for the formal Japanese surrender.  The O'Bannon earned seventeen battle stars for service in World War II as well as a Presidential Unit Citation. 

Following the war, Harry enjoyed a career with Picattiny Arsenal in Rockaway, NJ as a machinist and electrician. He married Joan(Margaret) Farr and raised three sons; Harry Edward(Ed), Thomas and Richard. He retired to Anna Maria Island, Florida where he enjoyed years of sunsets and good times with his fellow serviceman at the VFW.

Harry is survived by his two sons, Ed and his wife Wendy of Rockaway, NJ and Tom and his wife Jennifer of Raleigh, NC; three grandchildren, Rebecca, Sarah and Hannah of Raleigh.
There will be a private service for family members.
  Donations can be made to hospice @ http://tidewell.org/hospice/donors/donate-now/