Obituary: Bobby Neil Peterson, of Gales Ferry

Byles-Groton Memorial

Bobby Neil Peterson, of Gales Ferry, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020.

He was born January 26, 1945 in Charleston, SC to Neil and Lilly Reeves Peterson. He was raised by his maternal grandmother in Summerville, SC.

Bobby served in US Army Military Police Corps from 1965 to 1967 where he was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Upon discharge from the Army as an E-5 (Sergeant), he went to work as a pipefitter at the former Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS. He worked his way up to a Planner and in 1974 he transferred to Electric Boat Corp.in Groton, CT.

It was at Electric Boat that he met his wife, Betsy Cremins. They were married on October 3, 1981 at Sacred Heart Church in Groton. Their son, Timothy Reeves Peterson was born July 9, 1990.
Bobby retired from Electric Boat as a Senior Planner in February 2000 to be “Mr. Mom” to his son. He volunteered as a coach on his son’s football and baseball teams in Ledyard. He also introduced golf to his son. A sport they enjoyed playing together.

He inherited a “green” thumb from his mother and loved working in his yard.

His favorite pastime was following the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He was a dedicated fan since the 1960s. Coach “Bear” Bryant died on his birthday which he always thought was more than a coincidence.

Bobby or “Pete” to many, was the life of any party and loved to converse with anyone he met. That was the most frustrating issue he encountered dealing with his dementia the past few years of his life. He will be missed but pray he is now in a more peaceful place- maybe with “Bear Bryant” sharing highlights of BAMA football! Roll Tide Forever.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Betsy, son Timothy of Tampa, FL. and sister Avis (Gerry) Forsman of Moss Point, MS.

At his request he will be cremated but memorial calling hours will be held at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street, on Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 2-5 PM.