Richard Paul Peterson

Richard Paul (Rick) Peterson, born in Lynn, MA on August 21, 1954, died in Bradenton, FL on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Marie Richard Peterson and Peter Robert Peterson and his sister and brother-in-law, Carol Peterson Whitehead and William Whitehead of Virginia Beach, VA and sister, Sandra Peterson Sharpe of Nashua, NH. 

Rick was a professional musician, a gifted jazz and classical guitarist, who brought joy to so many through his love of performing, teaching, arranging, composing, transcribing, and mentoring other musicians. Over the years he performed with many duets, trios, quartets, and bands. If you lived in the Sarasota area the chances are good that you saw and heard Rick perform at local venues. He was a good friend, kind to all, with a wicked sense of humor.  

He is survived by his brothers, Allen Peterson (Carol) of Chesapeake, VA and Tommy Gladden (Ushia) of Wheatfield, IN; nieces Dawn Whitehead Wilson (Marty) of Bermuda Run, NC, Allison Sharpe Coords (Hunter) of Mocksville, NC, Ashley Gladden of Chicopee, MA;  and nephews, Glenn Whitehead of Jacksonville, NC, Gregg Whitehead (Dana) of Richlands, NC, and Shawn Gladden (Ashley) of Royalston, MA, and many grand/great nieces and nephews and extended family members. 

Rick is also survived by many friends and fellow musicians who had the joy of knowing, working, and performing with him over the years from his childhood in Lynn, MA to Southern Pines, NC, to Key West, FL and the Sarasota area. We are grateful to all for their love and friendship! A celebration of life is in the planning. Those who wish to contribute in his memory are encouraged to support any music related charity or tip a local musician you enjoy.