Paul Harlowe Peterson, 77, of Walton passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Fox Hospital in Oneonta, following a long and courageous struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Paul was born on July 18, 1934 in Fishes Eddy the son of the late Paul B. and Charlotte (Snow) Peterson. Paul graduated from Hancock Central School, Class of 1951. He was scouted by the NY Yankees while in High School but declined since he was a Cubbies Fan.

Paul proudly served his country from 1955 to 1959 in the United States Army. On May 16, 1958 he married the former Carol Bennett in East Branch, New York. Paul went to work for the Board of Water Supply in 1959 until he became Chief of Police in Hancock until 1968. In 1968 he worked for Breakstone's as a Supervisor. In 1970 he became the Walton Chief of Police. Paul and Carol owned and operated Walton Video for many years, selling the business when he was elected Sheriff of Delaware County. He served as Sheriff from 1986 until his retirement in January of 1998.

Paul was very active in his community. He enjoyed playing softball on the men's town team for many years. He was a Hunter Safety Instructor, he bowled in the Walton Men's and Couple's Leagues. He was member of the Republican Committee, as well as an officer. He held periodical training classes for local law enforcement agencies. Paul was a member of the Walton F & AM # 559, where he served as past Master; Royal Arch Masons # 251 in Walton, the Oneonta Council # 87 Cryptic Masons, and the Otsego Commandry # 76 Knights Templar, Cooperstown.. He served as a member of the Walton Central School Board of Education from 1967 to 1977 and a Camp 61 founder and member.

Paul was an avid fisherman and hunter and he also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, watching westerns, baseball, and visiting with family and friends.

Paul is survived by his loving family, his wife Carol of 53 years, his daughter Penny (Frank) Tweedie of Walton; his granddaughter, Megan (Jim) Eklund of Stamford; his grandson, Nathan Tweedie of Walton; his great grand daughter, Lillian Eklund of Stamford; his sister, Cheryl Jordon of Aztec, New Mexico; his brothers and sisters in laws, George and Jane Bennett of Rutherford, New Jersey, Lloyd and Shirley Bennett of Lake Como, PA; Gary and Cathy Bennett of Walton; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandson Matthew Paul Sterling Tweedie, August 17, 2007 and his sister in law, Bernadine Drake.

Friends and family are invited to call on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the New Hope Community Church, 47 Stockton Avenue, Walton where services will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11 AM with the Rev. Larry Light, officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Paul's memory may be made to Walton EMS, 61 West Street, Walton, New York 13856, New Hope Community Church or Cure PSP, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, Maryland 21093.