Obituary of Robert F. Peterson

Robert F. "Rip" Peterson, 66, of Campbell Hall died Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY. Robert was born September 3, 1947 inBrooklyn,NY, the son of John and Mary (Burns) Peterson. Rip was a proud Eagle Scout, earnings his badge at 16. He served in the U.S. Army in 1968. He worked for Kangaroo Couriers as their office manager for many years. He retired in 2012 from Crossmark as a food distributor. Rip started drumming at Omega with Baba Olatunji & Sanga of the Valley. HE WAS HOOKED! He drummed for African dance classes in the Inner Light Center. He attended Earth Beat jams and became a member of Earth Beat Ensemble, which later became Drumbalaya. He stared Nassau Queens Drum & Dance - producing shows and providing classes before the jams. He also attended and supported other drum communities: Spirit Hawk of Goshen, NY, Suffolk Drum & Dance, Blue Firmament, Cambridge MA Drum & Dance, and many others. Rip published "Reach Into the Pulse" - a drum and dance news letter - promoting a drumming community around the country. He is survived by his long time companion, Alice Wieting; sister-in-law, Sandra M. Peterson; nieces and nephews, Richard Peterson, Robert Peterson, Thomas Peterson, Philip Peterson and wife Michelle, Mary Stevens and husband Richard, Katherine Peterson-Lyle and husband Roger, Jacqueline Peterson; 18 grand nieces and nephews; aunt, Kathleen Pettersen; and 9 cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Joseph J. Peterson. There will be no visitation. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date at theOrangeCountyVeteransCemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Rip's name to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen, NY. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com.