The Legacy of George J. Peterson
George J. Peterson Funeral Home has been serving Bridgeport area families for years. We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
George J. Peterson, also known as "Mousey" or "Mr. P" was born in Danbury, CT to the late Peter and Addie Francis (Crawford) Peterson on September 14, 1928. He came to Bridgeport at an early age and was baptized as a youth under Rev. F. W. Jacobs at Messiah Baptist Church.
Mr. Peterson attended local public schools and at 17, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. During his Vietnam tour, he was a frogman in a helicopter squadron rescuing downed pilots. Among other medals, he holds a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Good Conduct. During his 20-year Naval career, he continued his education by attending the University of San Diego, studying Mortuary Science.
Returning to Bridgeport, he graduated from Housatonic Community College and the University of Bridgeport, where he maintained Dean's List. Starting as a cook in the Navy, he held Chef positions for various food service corporations and later moved into food service management. Currently, he was a member of Doric Lodge #4 Free and Accepted Masons (*P.H.); New Era Lodge I.B.P.O.E. of the World #290, serving as past Exalted Ruler; Col. Charles Young Post of the American Legion #140; lifetime member of Winston Dina Post #9991 V.F.W. and lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club International, serving as the first African American local past President; the Funeral Director's Association of Fairfield County, as well as the National Funeral Director's Association. He was very active as a member of East End Baptist Tabernacle Church, having served as an Usher, currently serving as a Trustee and as a founding member of the Men's Fellowship.
In 1983, along with his wife, Viola M. Peterson, he opened the doors of the George J. Peterson Funeral Home, 1041 Noble Ave., Bridgeport and has served many families during the nearly 30 years in which the business has operated. Mr. Peterson entered in to eternal rest on Sunday, January 1, 2012 in Connecticut Hospice, Brandford, CT at the age of 83. In addition to his loving and devoted wife, left to cherish his memory are; daughter, Leslie Vinson Wilborn, grandsons, Kendall A. and Jayden R. Wilborn; sister, Helen Eversley; brothers-in-law, Lester Wilbanks and John Bernard; sister-in-law, Margaret Bernard and a host of other relatives and friends.