Stephen Frank Peterson

AIKEN – Dr. Stephen F. “Steve” Peterson, 76, died Monday, July 2, 2018.

He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, godfather and friend. He is loved by many.

Steve was born in Lafayette, Indiana, son of the late Joseph E. Peterson and the late Elizabeth Stephens Peterson.  He was a graduate of the University of Indiana and Cornell University. He has lived in Aiken since 1968 and worked his entire career as an analytical chemist at the Savannah River Plant.

He loved the Lord and was a powerful witness to his faith. He joined the Episcopal church in 1968 and was active at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church since moving to Aiken. He was an acolyte, Lay Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He served on the Vestry as Senior and Junior Warden and chaired numerous committees. He was also active in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina including serving on the Diocesan Executive Committee. He was active in Renewal through the Cursillo Movement and at Kanuga Renewal Conferences. He was a member of the Kanuga Conference Center Board of Visitors.

He was a charter member of The Aiken Hearts, Chapter #294 of the Mended Hearts, Inc. and an accredited visitor for Mended Hearts at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Steve ran the sound for the Aiken Women’s Heart Board productions for more than 30 years, the Hopelands Gardens summer concert series, at St. Thaddeus and at many other concerts and productions.

He enjoyed rose gardening and photography of his flowers and of sunrise scenes. He was known for the greeting cards he produced containing these photos.

He is survived by his son, Foster Joseph Peterson and daughter-in-law, Bliss Ann Peterson; four grandchildren: Carter James Peterson, Hunter Banks Peterson, John Baldwin Peterson and Henry Foster Peterson, all of Marietta, GA, his sister, Virginia Peterson Allen and her family, and numerous godchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Peterson in 2016.

Steve’s family is grateful for the recent care provided by the physicians, nurses and staff at the Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Carolina Cancer Center, Anchor Rehabilitation, Professional Case Management and Trinity Hospice.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 14 at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church with the Reverend Grant Wiseman officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery, and the family will receive friends in the Stevenson-McClelland building following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church Christian Education Fund, 125 Pendleton St. SW, Aiken, SC 29801 or to a charity of your choice.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Steve’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com