Carl R. Peterson, 88, of West Haven, CT and Seahorse Park in St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on January 15, 2026. Born in New Haven on October 26, 1937, a son of the late Carl and Alice Dailey Peterson. Carl is survived by his children Kimberlee (Bill) Quinlan of Branford, Carl (Lisa) Peterson of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Kerri (Jeff Pierpont) McCarty of West Haven; grandchildren William (Devon) Quinlan, Katherine (James) Hicks, Matthew (Kelly Lawler) Peterson, Shane Peterson and Alyson McCarty; siblings Alice Perrelli and Helen (Dominic) Palumbo; sister-in-law Laurie Peterson; brother-in-law Charles (Paula) Simonette; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan Simonette Peterson; brother James Peterson; brother-in-law Cosmo “Jim” Perrelli; and sisters-in-law Linda (Peter) Alleva and Sharon Celentano.
Carl was a Union Ironworker (Local 424-New Haven) and upon retirement worked for Cherry Hill Glass of Branford. In his younger years he worked on his family’s farm in West Haven, which was proudly known as Peterson Farm. Carl was a loyal and active member of the Boy Scouts of America, West Haven Elks Lodge #1537, American Legion Post 273, West Haven Horseshoe League, Turtles Walking Club, and Randall’s Setback League; and a volunteer for many local civic projects in West Haven.
He was a kind, warmhearted gentleman who was always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand. A father does not tell you he loves you, he shows you. Forever in our hearts.
Arrangements were entrusted to the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from four to seven o’clock. On Tuesday morning, a funeral service will be held in the funeral parlor at ten o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence for Carl’s family, please visit our website, www.westhavenfuneral.com.
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