Robert Decoster Petersen

Robert “Bob” Petersen was born in Great Neck, NY on January 6, 1931. He was the second son of Peter and Florence Petersen (née Horan). Bob graduated from Great Neck High School with honors, and he went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. During his time in college, Bob was in the Naval ROTC program. He married the love of his life, Dolores Kowalski, in Newport, R.I. on May 9, 1953. Early on in their 68-year marriage, Bob and Dolores lived in Charleston, S.C. while Bob was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. They welcomed three children together, Rob, Diane, and Donna. The family ultimately settled down in Manhasset, New York. Bob started his career as the General Manager of a family meat purveying business in New York City, serving steamships, hotels, restaurants and airlines. He went on to work as the President of Foodco, Farmbest, and Standard Brands, Inc. With the support of his loving wife, Bob opened his own food brokerage firm, Atlantic Marketing Forces, with his partner, Hal Rosenberg. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the National Food Brokers Association, where he represented 1,000 Retail and Foodservice Food Brokerage Companies, including 40,000 sales representatives. Upon their retirement, Bob and Dolores moved to Sun City, SC. Bob actively volunteered for Second Helpings, a food distribution nonprofit. He served on the board for 13 years, and as the President for two terms. Bob was a devoted reader for the First Church of Christ, Scientist on Hilton Head, and he served on the Board of Directors there as well. He was the chairman of a committee providing regular Sunday religious services for the Marine recruits at Parris Island. Outside of his professional and charitable commitments, Bob was an avid golfer who scored two holes-in-one while in his eighties. When he wasn’t on the golf course, Bob’s favorite pastime was being with his five grandsons and his one granddaughter. After 15 years in Sun City, Dolores and Bob relocated to The Cypress.While at the Cypress,Bob served on the Food and Beverage Committee and on the Finance Board. And in his spare time, he also led the Water Aerobics Class when needed. There will be a private ceremony for family only at Saul’s Funeral Home in Bluffton.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Second Helpings of Hilton Head, P.O. Box 23621, Hilton Head, South Carolina 29925.