Patrick E. Peterson Posted: 2018-12-02 14:46:35

Patrick E. Peterson

Obituary

Patrick E. Peterson, 81 of Huntley, died peacefully on November 30, 2018
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley ,IL. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 1:30pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be private.
Pat was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1937. He was a graduate of Leo High School and Marquette University. Upon graduation he spent the next 10 years working at Argonne National Laboratory as a chemist after which he continued his career with CF industries who transferred him to Lakeland, Florida in 1970 where he worked in environment compliance regarding water and air purity.
It was at this time Pat became involved in his favorite pastime officiating high school football and little league baseball for 25 years in Florida and Illinois. He also was a devoted fan of the White Sox and his favorite, the Green Bay Packers.
He was transferred back to the home offices in Long Grove, IL, in 1980 as a Manager of Special Services until his retirement in 2004.
He is loved by his wife Alice Sobanski whom he married 60 years ago. They lived across from each other and started first grade together. He will be missed by his children, Terry and Janine Peterson, Donna and Ken Adams, Diane and Dan Musso, Jeanie Peterson, Laura and Richard Otto, and Mary and Jim Zabratanski. He loved his grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, Kimberly, Lisa, Patrick and Andrea, Bevan and Jessie, Lauren and Mike, Allison, Annie, Megan, James, Danny and Lizzie, Cass and Karen, Billy and Ryland and by his greatgrandchildren, Emery, Eli and sweet Baby Charlotte. He will be remembered joyfully by his brother, Jerry and Sharon and his family and the Christy, Sobanski and Boggs families and many O’Connell and Peterson cousins, nieces and nephews.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral .com

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Robert Peterson 2018-12-02 22:25:35

Uncle Pat was the best Godfather a guy could have. Always ready to help, guide, and offer some sarcasm when appropriate. So many positive memories of family gatherings and stories about him and his cousins back in the day. You will be missed, but a piece of you lives on in everyone of us.

Kathy Blake 2018-12-03 12:28:05

My condolences to the family. I’m a friend of Mary’s and I prayed for Pat during this difficult time. Although I didn’t know him personally, I know Mary, and she’s a beautiful soul, which is a product of a loving dad. Love and hugs to the family.

Elizabeth Zabratanski 2018-12-03 15:37:45

Grandpa was a constant reminder that no matter how messy life got, your family will be the ones to make you feel whole again when you need it most. He raised 6 strong, resilient, and loving children who raised his grandchildren the same way. Our grandpa tried to help us understand patience and acceptance of others' situations in life. Throughout the years, our family has continued growing and growing. He has always opened his heart and his home to us, gave us a shoulder to cry on, and told us to toughen up and take things one day at a time (which is always the best advice). It amazes me how much love one person can give and how his heart grew for every new member of our family. Grandpa will always be our reason to stop and think, slow down, and enjoy every precious moment with our families, friends, and loves ones. No amount of time with him would have felt like enough but every day we had with him was something special. He is at peace and we'll carry all the laughs in good times with us for the rest of our lives.

Allison Musso 2018-12-03 21:30:54

December 1st, 3:23pm Last night the most beautiful blue eyed soul I've ever known returned home. This week I got to hold your hand and reminisce...we parted with a 'see you soon'. My heart is heavy with the gratefulness I feel for having had so much of your presence in my life. So much of how I love I learned through you. I remember after dinner talks, watching you love your family, and showing your support for me at softball games and graduations...you always kept the orange tic tacs in your pocket for me, pulled out the atlas to make sure this millennial made her way back to college safely...you voiced your ideals with convictions that have blessed me with such perspective... You and Grandma have created a beautiful family that will carry on your love for ages to come. Those kind eyes...they gave you away as Santa since I can remember and I will recognize them again soon enough... May your spirit be at peace. I'll love you forever, Grandpa.

Lauren Steadman 2018-12-03 23:07:44

The tall man, with the big ears. Pliers ready to pull out your stubborn baby teeth. Giving you pointers on your high school chemistry homework. Attending all your concerts and graduations. First person you'd go to great at parties. Always expecting you. Always smiling. Not afraid to start up a cheerful tune. A storyteller. Only scolded you if you stole his remote. Dismissing worries with "That's alright" and a steadying wave of his hand. A dependable person who took enormous pride in providing for his loved ones. Someone who understood how to enjoy the moment for what it was, a blessing. That person who always embodied to you the memories of childhood joy. I love you, Grandpa. I will miss your smile, your laugh, and the reassurance you gave me to just enjoy those special moments. Thank you for showing me how much love a person could give for their family. Thank you for being my Grandfather.

Danny Zabratanski 2018-12-03 23:38:55

It would be impossible to narrow down one specific memory of grandpa. Throughout my entire life, all the family parties, get togethers and time spent with eachother, grandpa was always there. Whether he was giving advice, telling a story or a joke or just listening to the conversation, his presence always provided a since of comfort and reassurance that everything was going to work out. He represented the strength, love and support of the our family and I am grateful. He was a man I will always look up to and I know he will continue to watch over us just as he did during his life. We love you Grandpa and will miss you. You helped shape every one of us into the individuals we are today. You will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace Grandpa.

Pam Gowland 2018-12-04 04:52:16

To the family of Pat Peterson, May you all be comforted by God's love as you cherish the sweet memories of your loved one. May Pat's example of sweetness and honest living carry on in all of his descendants. Love, Pam Gowland and my family

Lori Cocanig 2018-12-04 06:12:47

Pat was always funny, he always made you feel happy. I met Pat while working at CF in Long Grove. Little did I know that he would come to love the simple fudge I use to make for a food day at work. I know you are in a better place and we are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Mike & Lori Cocanig

Laura Peterson Otto 2018-12-04 10:00:35

Patrick Edward Peterson arrived in this world on St. Patrick’s Day, 1937. He was son to Harold and Frances, brother to Jerry, nephew and cousin to many, husband to Alice, brother in law to Karen, Sharon, Charlotte, Pete and Carol, Ginny and Dan, uncle and great uncle to many. Father to Terry and Janine, Donna and Kenny, Diane and Dan, Jeanie, Laura and Rich, and Mary and Jim. Grandfather to Patrick and Andrea, Bevan and Jesse, Kimberly, Lisa, Christopher, Katie, Lauren and Mike, Allison, Danny, Elizabeth, Annie, Megan, James, Cash, and Cassidy, and great grandfather to Cass, Karen, Billy, Ryland, Emery, Elijah, and sweet baby Charlotte. This is his legacy. Family meant everything to my dad and he devoted his life to us. Our father was a good man. When I was a child and we lived in Florida, he somehow managed to take us to Disney World every year. (And we all know how he loved crowds and standing in line). I remember one year we arrived at the entrance to the park and, as we stood there, Dad saw a 100 dollar bill laying on the ground. I thought "I'm finally gonna get that Mickey Mouse stuffed animal I’ve always wanted!” But Dad just picked it up and carefully looked around. He spotted another Dad with a flock of kids around him too with a panic stricken look on his face. So Dad walked over to him and asked him if he’d lost something and handed him back his 100 dollars. His actions spoke louder than words. The most important relationship of my father’s life was his 62 year marriage to his wife and mother of his six children, Alice. They’ve known each other since they were 5 years old having grown up across the street from each other. They began dating in high school. My mom tells me that during that time she worked as a candy girl at the Chicago Theater and would take the bus home late at night after the last show. She says Dad would be waiting for her on the steps of her house to make sure she arrived home safely. I think that defines their relationship. They were simply there for each other through thick and thin in the biggest and smallest ways. And they set a beautiful example for their children about love, commitment, honor, and respect. Dad, rest, assured that your children will take good care of your beautiful Polish princess until you meet again someday. Our father was our provider, our protector, our patriarch and we are heartbroken that he is gone but we take comfort knowing he will always be here with us through the love in his children’s hearts, the joy and laughter in his grandchildren’s lives, and the sparkle in his great grand children’s eyes. We love you Dad.

STEVEN F. PETERSON 2018-12-04 19:46:39 2018-12-04 19:52:57

One of the better people I've ever known, will remember him. So sorry Jerry. Alice [ a 6 year old's first love] may this hurt heal and allow you to hang tuff for the tribe you both started.

Elaine Bowman 2018-12-05 10:30:26

We are so sorry for your loss. Always loved Mr. Pat, he was a great guy to be around. When Donna married into our family we had no idea what a great and loving man her Dad was, he will be so missed by all of us here in Florida. Rest high my friend.

Johnnie Roache 2018-12-05 17:24:22

My condolences to the family. May Mr. Peterson Rest In Peace. I am a friend of Donna’s and also Emery and Eli’s Pre-K teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.