Donald A. Peterson, 71 of Walton, went to be with the Lord, Friday, January 4, 2008 in O'Connor Hospital, Delhi.

Don was born on January 12, 1936, in Jamaica, Queens, the son of late Arthur W. and Alva (Carlson) Peterson. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He married the former Claudia Smith on January 16, 1977 in Lindenhurst, NY. He was a New York City Policeman for 20 years retiring in 1984 holding the rank of Lieutenant.

In 1985 he and Claudia moved to Walton. He worked as a Delaware County Stop DWI Program coordinator for 2 years, he then worked at Delaware Valley Hospital in the A.R.U. for 10 years. He was a member of the Delaware County Shields.

Don is survived by his wife, Claudia, 2 sons, Eric Peterson, Florida; John Peterson, who is serving his country in Iraq; a daughter, Eileen (John) Pollacek, Florida; 3 step children, Mark and Linda Newbeck, Michael and Ivy Newbeck, both of Long Island; Pamela Masching, Hamden; 13 grandchildren, Danielle, Trish, Michael. Brianna, Nicole, Samantha, David, Michael, Brandon, Johnny, Kimber, Michelle, Jason, 5 great grandchildren, a sister, Karen Peterson, New Mexico; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ann; and a sister, Audrey. The family thanks and is grateful for Don's good friends, Bob Dutcher, Joe Hanley, and Phil Seiden.

Friends and relatives are invited to call from 1 to 3 PM on Thursday, January 10, 2008, at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, where services will be held at 3 PM.

Memorial contributions in Don's memory may be made to Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.