The campus community mourns the passing of Herbert Peterson, 91, who died Monday, Dec. 25. Herb retired from Bucknell in 1995 as Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering after more than 30 years of service as a faculty member.
Herb’s colleagues in the mechanical engineering department shared that he demonstrated a clear focus on student learning throughout his career, being one of the first within the department to adopt computer-aided instructional methods and create new laboratory exercises to make this new technology accessible to students. He was a leader in bringing hands-on learning opportunities into the curriculum and in giving students real-world exposure to local industry, particularly local manufacturing processes. In his quiet, modest and unassuming way, Herb engaged generations of Bucknell students who greatly benefited in their own careers from his tireless dedication to their education.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Herb’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
Herbert August Peterson, Ph.D., 91, of Lewiston, Maine, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, at Central Maine Medical Center. He was formerly of Lewisburg, Pa., and Rumford, Maine.
Born in South Berwick, Maine, on April 3, 1932, he was a son of Clarence and Ruth (Sargent) Peterson. Herbert was a graduate of Greeley Institute in Cumberland Center, Maine, received a 2-year degree in agriculture from the University of Maine at Orono, a bachelor of science degree in agricultural engineering, University of Maine, master of science degree in agricultural engineering from University of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. degree in engineering mechanics from Penn State University. He served in the U.S. Air Force in North Africa during the Korean War.
Herbert taught mechanical engineering at Bucknell University in Lewisburg for 33 years, retiring as an Engineering Professor Emeritus in 1995. He worked as a Consulting Engineer for Babcock Wilcox in Ohio for one summer, worked as a Consulting Engineer for Naval Ship Research and Development Ctr for several summers and one year.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Jane Welch Peterson; son, Michael A. Peterson of Aztec, N.M.; daughter, Kerry Peterson Berrier of Thurmont, Md.; grandsons, Jason and James Berrier and wife Sheena; granddaughter, Baylee Peterson Evans and husband Braden Evans; two great-grandchildren, Knoxx and Jaylee Berrier; sisters, Marion Peterson of Vernon, Conn.; Janet Wanson of Florida, Patricia Swan of Stamford, Conn.; a brother, David Peterson and wife Marguerite of Idaho; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Ruth Peterson; and a brother, Donald Peterson of Cerritos, Calif.
Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com. Funeral services will be held in the spring.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford, ME.