Robert (Bob) Lee Peterson, beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, cousin, and friend, passed away on May 1, 2023, after a brief, hard-fought battle with cancer. Bob left behind many cherished memories and a legacy of love. Born on November 26, 1954, he was the epitome of kindness, strength, and a love of life and adventure shared with his wife, family, and friends.

Although born in Waterville, ME where he spent many happy childhood summers, Bob’s formative years were in Arlington, VA where he attended Wakefield High School. He spent his adult life in the Northern Virgina area working and developed lifelong friendships, and making lasting positive impressions on all who knew him, both professionally and personally.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanie, who he met while country dancing. They married on September 1, 2011, and in his words, after meeting her, that is when his life and his happily ever after began. Together Bob and Jeanie traveled and adventured their way through 25 wonderful years together. Whether entertaining family and friends at their home in Manassas, VA or heading out for rides on their Harley or in their 1990 Jeep, short trips or long, these were the times that made Bob’s life and the lives he touched wonderful in so many ways. Bob also loved watching movies, and listening to hard rock, country, and just about any kind of music. He loved working with tools, collecting clocks and car emblems and fixing up and tinkering in his garage.

Bob’s grandchildren were his greatest joys. He was the “fun” granddaddy, telling his corny jokes, playing in the pool (and roughhousing too). Whether getting down on the floor to play baby dolls with the girls, working on his 1975 Corvette or playing video games with his grandsons, or attending ball games and events, Bob was always smiling his beautiful smile and laughing; delighting in all their accomplishments, big and small. The grandchildren were precious gifts in his life and he was forever grateful to their parents for sharing them with him.

We don’t know why Bob had to leave us so soon and so suddenly. He fought with all his strength and will to stay and we grieve with all our hearts. We were blessed that he passed peacefully at home without pain and with all of us nearby. We know that his love for us and our love for him will remain in our hearts, and that our memories will keep us strong until we can be together again.

In addition to his loving wife, Jeanie, Mr. Peterson was blessed with and is survived by his step-children: Michael L Breeding (Laura Yee), Melissa Breeding Douglas (Brent), and Meagan Twyman Skeel (Travis); grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Thomas M. Breeding (Claudia) (Isabelle and Ottilie, and Mason J. Breeding; Ava J. Douglas and Luke R. Douglas; Eve E. Skeel; with bonus grandchildren Riley Buck, Taylor Buck, and Kennedy Buck (Breeding/Yee). Also surviving is Mr. Peterson's brother Edwin B. Peterson, Jr. of Arlington, VA; five cousins and extended family members who reside in ME and Germany.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Majorie Ann Peterson.

A gathering for remembrance, and for sharing love, stories, and laughter, just the way Bob would have wanted, was held by his family and friends on May 13, 2023.

Mr. Peterson's cremains will be interred at a later date. If so desired, donations may be made to the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, VA in his memory and honor.

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