Jeffrey H. Peterson (1961-2013)

Jeffrey Howard Peterson, a former USCF member from Salamanca, New York died Feb. 1, 2013 at the Bradford Nursing Pavillion in Bradford, Pennsylvania, after a battle with cancer. He was 51. He was born on July 1, 1961 in Olean, New York, the son of Howard Peterson and the late Jo-Ann Lyle Peterson-Streit. He graduated from Salamanca High School in 1979, obtained a bachelor's degree from Alfred University in 1983 and a master of science degree in finance from Texas A & M University in 1984. In 1991, he received a doctorate in finance from the University of Alabama.

Dr. Peterson had worked for 29 years at St. Bonaventure University - first as a professor of finance and the last 16 years as chairman of the university's Finance Department. An automobile enthusiast, he was a member of the Twin Tiers Sports Car Club and the WNY British Car Club.

Dr. Peterson was a rated Class C player who took part in many tournaments in the 1990s in Bradford, PA. He also competed in several tournaments sponsored by the Continental Chess Association and held in New York, Illinois and Ohio. His only appearance in New England in the past 20 years was his participation in the 1994 Pan-American Open, sponsored by the Rhode Island College Chess Club and held in Providence, RI. His last rated tournament was the 1996 U.S. Amateur Team East Championship in Parsippany, New Jersey.

He is survived by his wife, Laura (Lynch) Peterson, whom he married on Dec. 30, 1989 in Randolph, New York; his father; a brother, Jonathan Peterson of Westminster, Maryland; a sister, Jennifer Van Slyke of Rochester, New York; several nephews and nieces.

Obituary submitted by
George Mirijanian, Massachusetts Chess Association

Jeffrey H. Peterson may you rest in peace