Earl F Peterson

Earl Frederick Peterson, a beloved longtime resident of East Hampton, passed away January 1, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born on January 13, 1942, in Middletown, CT to parents Ann and Frederick Peterson.

Earl graduated from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH before joining the Air Force in 1962. He proudly served until 1966 at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, ME as a Munition Maintenance Specialist.

It was in Limestone that he met the love of his life, Glenda Montgomery Peterson. Earl & Glenda married in 1965 and lovingly built their home, family and lives in East Hampton. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage for 51 years until Glenda’s passing in 2017.

In 1966, Earl’s career as a Lineman at Northeast Utilities began. He dedicated 35 years to his role, ultimately retiring as a Chief Lineman with the nickname from his NU gang as “Earl the Squirrel”.

Over the years, Earl volunteered for many community organizations and associations. His favorite was the Connecticut State Tractor Pullers Association, where he was President for 10 years. Many Fair goers and tractor pullers will remember his expert announcing skills at the Tractor Pulls across the state-always with a cigar and his big blue cowboy hat in place. Earl cherished these times with his many friends, his son and grandsons as they pursued the coveted “Full Pull”.

Earl was a longtime member of the Masonic Fraternity, Anchor Lodge 112. At many Old Home Day Parades he marched with his brothers, proudly carrying the oversized American flag.

Earl had many passions in life. He loved his family, friends, fishing, hunting, tractor pulling and his Country-not necessarily in that order. He fished all over Connecticut and Maine. He was always in pursuit of the next big trout and shared his knowledge and love of fishing with his family and many fishing buddies. His favorite fishing hole was Hancock Pond, where he, Glenda and family vacationed each summer for over 30 years.

Earl was an “old school” gentle man. He always had a kind word, an offer to lend a hand and a smile. He is remembered for plowing neighbors’ driveways for each winter storm with his quad, conversations with the morning gang at Dunkin Donuts and cheering on various sports teams at EHHS that he attended supporting his grandchildren. He often would pop into Ace Hardware and Fowlers Recycling to hear the latest town news and to share a few updates of his own. Earl enjoyed a good cigar and could often be seen with one between his fingers driving his pick-up around town or holding court in his garage at his home.

Above all, Earl treasured his family. A true Patriarch, he raised his three children with loving guidance, high expectations, a reminder to remember priorities, be true to yourself and that family always comes first. He shared wise advice, a song when too rainy to fish and a strong hug on hard days. He was the example of a loving Dad, Husband and Pop that others aspire to be- his family is so blessed to have been “his”. Earl will be remembered as a hardworking, kind family man who lived a full and meaningful life, leaving an impression on all who knew him.

Earl will be deeply missed by his children Jennifer Shumbo (Ted), Pamela Luchka (Mark) and Eric Peterson (Laura) all of East Hampton. Grandchildren Austin, Lesley, Sarah, Addison, Natalie, Taylor and Gavin. His Great-Grandchildren, Lawlor (who shared his Birthday), Blake, Barret, Jaxson and Olivia. Sister, Sharon Ferrier and many nieces and nephews. Earl also leaves behind his dear friend, neighbor, and fishing buddy, Dick Lamontagne, whose friendship, care and support meant so much.

Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Tuesday January 7, 2025, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the East Hampton Ambulance Association or The Shriners Children’s Hospital.

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