Captain Walter R. Petersen, United States Navy, of East Hill, died peacefully on December 18, 2015.

He was born on July 14, 1931 in Dundee, NY, and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rhode Island, and the Naval War College.

Walt was an Eagle Scout and received his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in 1954 and flew the A-1 Skyraider and A-4 Skyhawk. He served as the Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron Twelve, and the Commander of Fleet Activities on Okinawa Japan, before retiring from the Navy in 1984 and establishing residence in Pensacola. He flew over 160 combat missions and was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star Medal for his service during the Vietnam War.

He had a passion for archaeology, pottery, fishing, and travel, and had a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and farming.

Captain Petersen is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty; his daughter, Rebecca Richardson of Monroe, NC; son, Craig Petersen (Amy) of Oakland, CA and brother, William Petersen (Alice) of Haines City, FL.

He leaves behind a legacy of almost 100 years of naval aviation service – besides his own 32 year career, his son Craig flew the A-6 Intruder, his daughter-in-law Amy flew the EC-130 TACAMO Hercules, his grandson Austin is currently deployed as an MH-60S Seahawk pilot, and his granddaughter Audrey is a Student Naval Aviator at NAS Whiting Field.

The family appreciates the support of his friends and the caregivers at Pacifica Senior Living, Creekside facility.

A Memorial Service will take place at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel on Friday, February 19 at 10am, followed by interment with military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America or the Pensacola Humane Society.