“Ray Peterson represented AFTNJ with dignity and integrity within the labor community and in Trenton. He was a true gentleman. AFTNJ is so indebted to Ray that we give a Ray Peterson ‘Friend of Labor’ award at every convention, recognizing those who make important contributions to the labor movement. However, we should probably retitle that award, because Ray was more than just a friend, he is a true ‘champion of labor.'”
Donna M. Chiera, President, American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ)

Raymond A. Peterson
AGE: 86 • East Brunswick
Raymond A. Peterson, of East Brunswick, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013, at home. He was 86. Born in Woodbridge, he lived in Avenel, Collinsville IL, and Iselin before moving to East Brunswick 45 years ago.
He served during WWII in the US Navy. He was a graduate of Rider College. Ray was a communicant of St. Bartholomew RC Church in East Brunswick and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the church.
Raymond was a teacher prior to becoming a leader for the NJ State Federation of Teachers. After retiring he continued to support their efforts. He was one of the founders of AFT Retired Teachers. He received many awards and citations over his career, including: Labor Man of Year in 1979, Samuel Gompers Labor Leadership Award in 1993, NJ State Federation Teachers Award in 1991, and Women’s Affirmative Action NJ Industrial Union in 1985.
He was a member of the Scarlet “R” Club, the Rutgers Touchdown Club, American Federation of Teachers, the NJ SFT of NJ and Retirees, and former president of the Middlesex County AFL-CIO. In addition to football, sailing was his passion.
Ray is predeceased by his brothers Bernard and Anthony (Ace). Surviving is his wife of 64 years Dorothy A. (Bartos) Peterson; his sons Glenn R. Peterson of East Brunswick, and Jeffrey J. Peterson and his wife Margaret (Lou) Coffey, of Hudson, OH; his grandchildren Jennifer and her husband Frank Lyzen III of Raleigh, NC and Bryan Peterson of Hudson, OH.
A Mass will be held on Monday, October 14th, 10:00 am, at St. Bartholomew RC Church, Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park in East Brunswick. Friends and relatives may call on Sunday, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St-at Riva Avenue, Milltown, NJ. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or Hospice of NJ. You may sign the obituary email guestbook at www.crabiel.com

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