William Allen Peterson, distinguished periodontist

Dr. William Allen Peterson, 98, of Lewes, passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in his residence at The Moorings, Lewes.

Dr. Peterson was born in Rochester, Minn., Dec. 10, 1922.  He had a long and distinguished career as a periodontist in the Navy.  He served from 1942 when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Army while in dental school.  Dr. Peterson was commissioned as an LTJG in the Navy upon graduation and was either on active duty or active reserve until he retired in September 1983.

Dr. Peterson was a senior leader with the Boy Scouts for many years, and was a member of Rotary International for 45 years. He was an active member of his church community at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes and at his residential community at The Moorings.

While serving as the dental officer at the Naval Academy, he and his wife served as advisors to many midshipmen, but especially Scott Provo from Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Philip Cullon of Washington, D.C.

Dr. Peterson is survived by his sons, Charles Peterson of Bethany Beach and Blaine Peterson of Washougal, Wash., as well as his three grandchildren, Leslie Hartzell of Ocean City, N.J., and Kirstin and William Peterson of Washougal.

Private Services will take place at St. Peter's Episcopal Church and for those wishing to watch a live YouTube stream of the service, please visit the church's website at https://stpeterslewes.org/ Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., and choose their YouTube link to be directed to the service link.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Please visit Mr. Peterson's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.