Robert Edward Peterson

Robert Edward Peterson, of Wheatland, Pennsylvania, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, while a patient at UPMC Shenango Campus, Farrell, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness. He was 86.

Robert was born November 5, 1939, in Osage, West Virginia, a son to Edward Johnson & Mattie Peterson.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the beginning of the Vietnam Conflict. He was assigned to Company D, 1st Signal Battalion while stationed in Germany. He was discharged with the rank of Private E-2.

Following his return home, he met a gal by the name of Laverne Jean “Bootsie” Whitman. They exchanged vows on June 15, 1968 and held hands until her passing on October 22, 2024.

Robert last worked as a forklift operator at the American Steel Alliance Plant.

He was a member of the Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, Farrell.

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed fishing and hunting. In addition, he was an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

Survivors include: children, Tracey L. Peterson-Banks (Henry L., III), of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and Robert E. Peterson, II (Jill D.), of Farrell; grandchildren, Edward Peterson-Banks (Ashley), Kayla Peterson, LaCarra Peterson, Henry Peterson-Banks, Jr. (Casey), Sydney Peterson, Cameron Green, Hensley Peterson-Banks, Robert Peterson, III, Shawn Wilson, Hannah Peterson-Banks, & Robert Wilson; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jackie "Sonny" Peterson, Shirley Banks, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Delores Peterson, of Farrell; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Percy Peterson, who helped raise him; wife, Laverne; daughter, Tonya Adair Wilson; granddaughter, Haley Peterson-Banks; and brother, Richard James Peterson.

A Home Going Service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM, in the Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, 1825 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with Superintendent Tyrone T. Steals officiating. His family & friends may call from 11:00 to 12:00 PM, also at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Peterson was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135)