Richard John Peterson, 49, passed away July 28, 2014 at Conemaugh Hospital in Johnston, PA. He was a former employee of the Minnesota STAR Program, as well as a volunteer. He was known for his enthusiasm for assistive technology.

Peterson was born May 10, 1965 in Chisholm. He held graduate degrees in electrical engineering, speech science and communication disorders. After spending much of his life in Minnesota he came to Johnstown to use his skills as an assistive technology specialist at Hiram G. Andrews.

He loved to work, with the nurturing staff, the positive surroundings and the great students of varied interests and skills. He loved to dance and found challenge, support and fun in ballroom dancing and folk dancing. He loved to sing and enjoyed being part of the Johnstown Community Chorus and the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church Choir. He always enjoyed fishing, especially with his father. Many people described Peterson as a “gentle giant.”

He is survived by his fiancée Mary Muss and her mother, Florence Muss of Johnstown, parents Pat and Dick Peterson of St. Paul, and sister Corinne Peterson and John Moore of Evanston, IL. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and their families, and many friends. Services were held August 3 at the Grove Avenue Methodist Church.