It is with deep sorrow that the family of Charles F. Peterson (Charlie) announces his passing on October 12, 2026, following a valiant struggle with cancer. Charlie faced his illness with unwavering courage, optimism and strength which was an inspiration to his family and to those that knew him.

Charlie was born in Boston, the oldest son of schoolteacher parents. Charlie lived the early years of his childhood with his parents and three younger brothers in the St. Brendan’s Parish neighborhood of Dorchester where family, faith and hard work were the cornerstones of his life. The family later made their home in Milton where Charlie attended Milton Public Schools and participated in Milton youth sports including Milton Youth Hockey and baseball. During his teenage years, Charlie and his brothers operated their own small business, Peterson Lawn Care. Charlie graduated from Milton High School in 1982 where he played on the hockey team. He attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and graduated from Northeast Institute of Technology where he discovered his creative talents and passion for the trades. All self taught, his skilled hands created intricate Adirondack chairs, cornhole boards, tables, benches, lamps and cabinets with great attention to detail. He enjoyed gifting his handmade treasures to family and friends.

Charlie was employed in the HVAC trade before joining the MBTA in 1985. He dedicated 32 years of his life as a highly skilled mechanic where he was well respected by his colleagues and with whom he remained in close friendships during his retirement years. Charlie was a union guy for his entire life and was a proud and active member of the Machinists Union Local 264.

Charlie and his wife Jean (whom he called Jean Marie) were married for 35 years and resided in Milton. Together they raised two sons, Sean and Timothy. Charlie took pride in their accomplishments and found joy in their achievements. Charlie spent many years cheering for his sons on many courts and fields, never missing a game. He travelled the east coast from New England to Florida watching them participate in games and tournaments. As a father, Charlie experienced some very proud moments throughout his sons’ lives, from childhood to adulthood.

Retirement years brought about new beginnings for Charlie where he thoroughly enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He found peace and happiness at his beloved home on the Cape where he enjoyed his hobbies while also developing his woodworking, landscaping and grill-master skills. He spent many peaceful evenings stargazing by the firepit that he built alongside his late brother Michael. Charlie enjoyed landscaping and gardening, striving for the greenest lawn in the neighborhood. He looked forward to his daily walks in his Pine Tree Brook neighborhood accompanied by his devoted beagle Gavin and later, his new puppy Cally. Charlie also enjoyed a lifelong interest in diesel engines and he treasured his GMC diesel engine pickup truck which he meticulously maintained for many years.

Charlie had a deep admiration for the American flag and carefully followed U.S. Flag Code to properly display his flags with dignity and respect.

Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love and thoughtful devotion for his family, a very generous heart, a strong work ethic, and the most positive carefree spirit. We will joyfully remember his favorite catchphrase “It’s a long story”!

Charlie was the loving and devoted husband to his wife Jean M. (Callahan) Peterson. Beloved and proud father of his sons, Sean F. and Timothy C. Peterson. Loving son of Nancy Peterson Kearns and the late Charles Peterson and John (Jack) Kearns. Dear brother of Stephen Peterson, Chris Peterson, and the late Michael Peterson. Eileen Friedland, Jack Kearns, Brenda Green, Steven Kearns and the late Michael Kearns. Charlie was also beloved by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Charlie was also the cherished son-in-law of the late Jean N. and Ruth M. Callahan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Hills Church (Our Lady of Visitation Parish), 29 Saint Mary’s Road, Milton on Tuesday October 20, 2026 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, on Monday October 19, 2026, 4-7 p.m. Interment in Milton Cemetery.

In Charlie’s memory, please consider supporting glioblastoma research, an illness that our Charlie faced with the most incredible strength, courage and determination via the Rogers Family Glioblastoma Research Fund At Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute.