Obituary of Clifford Peterson

Clifford M. Peterson "Loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather" Olean, NY-Clifford M. Peterson of 430 Fourth Avenue died Tuesday (July 12, 2011) in his home after a brief illness. Born January 8, 1927 in Olean, he was a son of Melvin and Grace Peterson. On July 20, 1950 at the First Baptist Church in Olean he married Mary Lou Rowe who survives. Mr. Peterson was a 1945 graduate of Olean High School. From there he spent two years in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge he worked in several places including Clark Brothers, West State Hardware and Matson's Furniture Store from which he launched his own business known as Quality Building Service specializing in kitchen design and installation. He worked many years for Powell Furniture Store in Obi and purchased the business when the owner retired. Mr. Peterson finished his various careers writing Housing Rehabilitation Specifications for Cuba Community Development Corporation, retiring in 1991. He was a past member of the First Baptist Church where he served in various ways. Seeing a need for a youth program in East Olean, he became a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and served there in many capacities for fifty five years until the church closed. Mr. Peterson then became an active member of the Allegany Baptist Church. At home he enjoyed bird watching and writing. Surviving besides his wife are four daughters Linda (Pastor Michael) Gunter of Gilbert, SC, Janet (Timothy) Robinson of Bellefonte, PA, Judy (Paul) Lewis of Olean and Sharon (Jack) White of Charleston, SC; one son Timothy Peterson of Raleigh, NC; fifteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister Barbara (James) Maynard of Olean; one brother Rev. Lyle (Elsie)Peterson of Wilmington, DE and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and one sister Rhoda (Maurice) Hollowell. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig &amp; Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Friday from 2-4 &amp; 7-9pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday (July 16, 2011) at the Allegany Baptist Church from 10:00am until time of services at 11:00am. Rev. Frank Hayman, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Veterans Section of Mt. View Cemetery in Olean. Memorials may be made to the Allegany Baptist Church, Homecare &amp; Hospice 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760 or to the Olean General Hospital. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friday 2-4 and 7-9pm Saturday 10-11am <h3>Services</h3> Saturday 11am Allegany Baptist Church <h3>Interment</h3> Mt. View Cemetery