It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Allen Peterson, who peacefully departed this life on August 9, 2024, in Riverview, Florida, after a long and courageous battle with a rare disease, Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF).

Thomas, lovingly known as Tom, was born on December 30, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Roy Marion Peterson and Mary Lou Callihan. Tom graduated from Clear Fork High School in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1968, and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he was honored with the American Spirit Honor Medal.

In Tom's career as a Financial Planner, he achieved the designations of Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, and earned his Certificate in Financial Planning from the American College of Financial Services. His career was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit; in 1985, he founded First Financial, a successful financial planning company, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2000. Tom also served as Branch Manager for InterSecurities Inc., and Vice President of Advanced Sales for ORBA Financial Management.

Tom's commitment to his community was evident in many ways. He was a parishioner of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, and a fervent supporter of Little League Baseball & Softball, spending countless hours volunteer umpiring for Bloomingdale Little League. His generosity also led him to create a scholarship for underprivileged students at Prescott High School, where his sons Bryan and Chris graduated, making a lasting impact on many young lives.

For the past two decades, Tom volunteered himself for health research studies at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working closely with Dr. David Goldstein, Chief, Autonomic Medicine Section. According to Dr. Goldstein, "Tom and I were partners in a quest, a quest to understand mechanisms and test potential treatments of his rare disease (PAF)."

Even in death, Tom continues to help others. He requested that upon his death, tissue samples from his organs be donated and analyzed for the benefit of PAF research; the ultimate act of philanthropy.

Tom enjoyed watching Rays baseball games, traveling with his family, and spending quality time with his grandchildren. Known for his sense of humor and sage advice, Tom was a beacon of wisdom and laughter. His love for family and God was unwavering, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tom is preceded in death by his beloved parents, and leaves behind his devoted wife of 53 years, Kathleen Bryan Peterson. Tom's legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is survived by his children: Allison Macri (Mike), Rachel Chunn (Chris), Bryan Peterson (Gina), and Christopher Peterson (Christy). His love extended to his cherished grandchildren: Lukas Chunn, Bella Macri, Hannah Chunn, Chase Macri, Logan Chunn, Ellie Peterson, and Lila Peterson. Tom also leaves behind his dear siblings: Debra Smith (Greg), Becky Goasdoue (Pierre), Rodney Peterson, and Roy Peterson (Dawn), all of Mansfield, Ohio.

Visitation will take place on August 22, 2024, 6 PM to 7:30 PM at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview, Florida, concluding with a Rosary starting at 7:30PM. A funeral Mass to honor Tom's life will be held on August 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Riverview, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Tom's memory.