Rockland County Lawmakers Mourn Harold J. Peterson

From the Rockland County Legislature

The Rockland County Legislature mourns the loss of former county finance director and dedicated community supporter Harold J. Peterson.

“On behalf of myself and the entire legislature, we send our sincerest condolences to Harold’s family and friends, as well as the thousands of people whose lives he touched through his incredible community outreach,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said.

Peterson is survived by his wife Stella; his daughter Melissa; his son Michael, who followed his father into public service and is Supervising Assistant District Attorney; grandchildren and other close family members.

Although never elected to political office, Peterson was involved in public service for most of his life. His professional work included serving as Yonkers Commissioner of Fiscal Services from 1980 until his appointment as Rockland County Finance Commission by then-County Executive John Grant in 1986. He earlier served in lead finance positions for the towns of Clarkstown and Orangetown. After leaving county service, he became an executive level officer with several banks, including Chase, and Provident, as well as Provident’s subsequent parents, Sterling and Webster banks.

Peterson also pursued a seemingly lifelong involvement with nonprofit organizations, including his 25 years as chairman of the then-named Association for Retarded Children’s annual golf outing, an effort that saw nearly $1 million raised under his leadership. The organization is now known as ARC.

In fact, on the 25th anniversary of the golf outing, to make the day a little more special, the Rockland County Legislature declared June 14, 2010, as Harold J. Peterson Day in honor of Peterson’s leadership and accomplishments.

Peterson also volunteered with both the Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees and the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board, served on the St. Thomas Aquinas College President’s Council, the Palisades Institute of Dominican College, the Rockland Business Association, United Hospice of Rockland, Meals On Wheels of Rockland, and Child Care Resources, among other organizations.

As reported by the Journal News in 1993: Peterson, a 1963 graduate of Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia, was invited to address the Class of 1993. He likened the graduates’ lives to a book. Each author was solely responsible for the contents of the book, he said.

“With God’s help and your willingness to work hard, there will be more accomplishments and happiness than regrets and sadness,” Peterson said. “With the foundation in place, you have the opportunity to soar with the eagles.”

A wake will be held at Higgins Funeral Home in New City from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's in New City at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 30. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be sent to any of the following: American Heart Association, ARC of Rockland or Good Samaritan Hospital (Suffern).