Richard "Rit" Petersen, 77, of Frisco, TX, passed away peacefully in his home on July 19, 2024.

Rit was born in Morrisville, Vermont and adopted by parents Edward and Lillian Petersen. They lived in Vermont until he was 6 years old when they moved to Plainville, Connecticut. He graduated from Plainville High School prior to enlisting in the Unites States Air Force in 1964 where he proudly served his country for 8 years. He worked for various companies including Pratt and Whitney, Stanley, and the Connecticut Department of Corrections. He retired in 2010 from JBT at DFW Airport.

In his early years, Rit enjoyed hunting and fishing, and especially loved Harleys. Rit and Darlene were childhood sweethearts. Life took them in separate directions when he enlisted in the Air Force, but were reunited 25 years later and married on October 1, 1993, spending their lives together since. Later in life, Rit enjoyed playing golf, being a Minnesota Vikings fan, and an avid coin collector. He loved to spend time with his family and friends, and always had a joke to tell.

Rit is survived by his wife, Darlene Petersen; children Michael (Stacie) Petersen, Sharon (Jim) Corbett, Rick (Darcie) Petersen, Shannon (Scott) Traver, and Krystal (Brandon) Roloff. Rit also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.

A private, graveside Military service will be held at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on Monday, August 26. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heroes Ranch ( https://www.helpingheroeshunt.org ), a non-profit honoring ailing, wounded, or disabled Heroes.