William Vincent Peterson, 70, passed away December 17, 2019 at the EN Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, MA, where he resided.

He was born and raised in Salem, MA, the son of Joseph and Helen Bik Peterson.

After graduating from Salem High School, he joined the Coast Guard and served as a Seaman abroad the USCGC Castle Rock, WHEC-383, in the North Atlantic and during its service in Vietnam and the ships transfer to the S. Vietnam Navy in 1971. He finished his Coast Guard service as the lighthouse keeper of the Cape Ann Light Station, known as Thatcher Island Twin Lights, off of Rockport, MA.

Following his service, he worked in industrial and plumbing sales, and as a Sales Manager at the former Bergeron Plumbing in Salem, MA.

He enjoyed woodworking and outdoor activities including camping and sailing.

He is survived by a son, Michael V. Peterson of Chicago, IL, and the families of brothers John of Saugus, MA, Joseph of Amesbury, MA, sister Mary Speicher of Salem, MA and his best friend Joseph Kelly of Haverhill. MA.

A service to be held at the VA Chapel, 200 Springs Rd., Bldg. 81, Bedford, on Friday, December 27, at 11:30 AM, with interment at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in Florida.

In lieu of flowers please support a veteran cause.