He was the eldest of the five sons of Virginia and Rear Admiral Richard W. Peterson, one of the most decorated submarine captains of World War II. Dick was predeceased by brothers John and Michael. He is survived by his wife Susan, his son Richard (Chrystal), brothers Jim (Zelik) of Brooklyn and Rob (Cynthia) of Larkspur, his grandchildren (Dominick and Miles), nephews (Spencer and Joey), niece Tracy Zeiss of Monterey, and many friends, including his dear, lifelong friend, Malcolm McLorg.
Dick was born on August 19, 1941, in New London, Connecticut and grew up primarily in Marin County, where he attended St. Raphael's, Marin Catholic High School, and became an Eagle Scout. Dick completed his undergraduate studies at St. Mary's College, Moraga followed by a year of graduate work at UC Berkeley. He went on to receive his degree in Dentistry from the University of Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco.
Dick married the love of his life, Susan Olivieri Peterson, in August of 1965.
After dental school, Dick and Susan moved to Berkeley where they lived for the rest of Dick's life. Dick started his own practice of complex dentistry, was a trusted dentist for more than 30 years, often teaching his captive patients the breadth of Western art history, and he was an adjunct professor at UCSF School of Dentistry. As a lifelong learner, Dick was a regular presence at Cal Berkeley, both as a loyal if long-suffering Bear fan and as a student of a wide range of courses over the years. Dick said he audited virtually every art course Cal had to offer.
Dick truly was a renaissance man with great intellect, a fabulous sense of humor and play, and a contagious enthusiasm and zest for life. He was known in Yosemite Valley as an ardent rock climber of many difficult ascents. He explored and mapped new climbing routes in Patagonia, Chile. He often trekked in winter from Mammoth to Yosemite Valley. He was an expert downhill skier, and backpacked all over the Sierra, including the entire John Muir trail with Susan, and other challenging trails with his son, Richard. He painted and played the piano beautifully. He loved reading literature and history, and was a knowledgeable historian of Western art from pre-Renaissance through the 21st century.
His legendary capacity for studying all manner of subjects led Dick, with Susan's blessing, to retire from dentistry in order to travel extensively, mostly to Florence, Venice and Rome. 2014 saw the publication of Dick's book: Looking at Painting in Florence: 13-16th Centuries, which remains one of the most popular books in the Uffizi Museum. Shortly before his death, Dick completed the manuscript for his art book on Rome.
Dick and Susan loved traveling together to Europe (Paris especially), hiking and fishing in the mountains, spending time with friends and family at Stinson Beach, and socializing with so many good friends in Berkeley and Marin County.
He was the Pied Piper for all who knew him, with his family at the center of his life. His son Richard, Chrystal, Dominick and Miles brought him boundless joy. He showered them with his complete love, enveloped them with his enthusiasm, and treasured their love in return.
The world was a brighter, happier place with Dick in it. He will be missed, always and without measure.