Nils G. Peterson III, age 80, of Guilford, passed away peacefully on Aug. 30 at home surrounded by his children. Nils was born on Aug. 17, 1935, in Bristol. He was the only child of the late Nils G. Peterson, Jr., and Mary L. Peterson. Nils was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Rochelle Desmarais Peterson, who passed away in December 2013.
A graduate of Bristol High School, Nils attended Keene State College in New Hampshire, graduating in 1957. In 1958 Nils and Rochelle moved to Guilford to begin their teaching careers and raise a family. Nils subsequently earned a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Connecticut, as well as a sixth year certificate of advanced graduate studies in public school administration from the University of Bridgeport.
In a 57-year career with the Guilford Public Schools, Nils served the community as an elementary school teacher, department chairman, athletic coach, assistant principal, assistant superintendent, and acting superintendent. He was proud of his tenure as head coach of the Guilford High School boy’s soccer team, earning the program’s first State Championship title in 1969. After his official retirement in 1991, Nils continued to work as a consultant for the Guilford Public Schools until the time of his passing, most recently as transportation coordinator. Nils was a hard-working, determined man who dedicated his life to education and the Guilford Public Schools.
Voted class clown of his high school and class president of his college, Nils was an affable, honest, and loyal man. He enjoyed the company of school and Board of Education colleagues, as well as his Robin Lane neighbors. He was an avid New York Yankee fan and an active member of The Keene State College Alumni Association. Over the years, Nils enjoyed yard work, watching soccer games, playing softball, reading and crossword puzzles, as well as a daily drive to “the docks.”
Most important in Nils’ life was his family. He was a loving and generous father to seven children who will cherish his memory forever, Melinda (Daniel) Ricker, MaryLou (Dennis) Cadwell, Melanie (Thomas) Martin, Pamela Smith, Beth Peterson, Laura (Jason) Rendano, and Matthew Peterson. Nils also leaves nine beloved grandchildren, Kevin and Erica Ricker, Morgan (Brian) Cugell, Benjamin (Madeline) Cadwell, Sam Cadwell, Sean and Molly Martin, and Jeremy and Collin Smith; as well as two great-granddaughters, Emma Lou and Maren Grace Cugell. Nils is also survived by his three sisters-in-law, Cecile (Alan) Beresford, Judy Wilson, and Andrea (Jack) Coleman. He was predeceased by his grandson Kyle Martin and brother-in-law Roger Wilson.
Friends and family may call on Sept. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hawley Lincoln Memorial, 1315 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford, on Sept. 5 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Alderbrook Cemetery, Guilford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established by the family in Nils’ memory, The Nils G. Peterson Young Educator Scholarship, Guilford Savings Bank, One Park St., Guilford, CT 06437, or Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. To sign the online guestbook, please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.
