Donald Albert Peterson Jr.

Donald Albert Peterson, Jr., of Alliance, Ohio passed peacefully at his home, with his family by his side at 5:13 P.M. on Sunday, July 16, 2023 after being diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2022.  He was 81 years old.

Born in Alliance, Ohio on December 19, 1941 to Donald and Josephine (Hoiles) Peterson, Don spent his life serving the people in Alliance.  A 1960 graduate of Kiski Preparatory School in Saltzberg, Pennsylvania, Don attended Transylvania University in Lexington, KY before starting his career at the Alliance Review in 1963 where he eventually became Advertising and Marketing Director.  Don developed and created the very popular insert feature “Mr. Thrifty”.  Don was also President and Co-owner of WDJQ Q92 and AM 1310 WDPN Radio also in Alliance, OH, Co-owner of Postal Mail Sort in Youngstown, OH, Superior Printing in Niles, OH and Letter Shoppe in Canton, OH.  Don was also a partner in Valley Forge Inc. where he also served as a Board Member.

Don was a member of the Ohio Newspaper Advertising Executives where he was a Past President, a past board member of the Alliance Jaycees, Salvation Army, Alliance Area United Way, Quest Recovery Services (Past President), was co-founder of Alliance Arid Club, Alliance Area YMCA Board Member, a member of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce, Alcoholics Anonymous, the NRA, a member and past Board Member of the Alliance Country Club, a member of Woodlake Country Club in Vass, NC and Woodlake Country Club in Bonita Springs, FL.  Don also served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years.

An impeccable dresser, Don will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, love of fast cars, the Cleveland Indians (Guardians), Browns, The Ohio State University Buckeyes and University of Mount Union football teams.  Other interests included Thoroughbred Horse Racing and Dog Track racing where he owned several racers, playing golf where he had three hole-in-ones and was known for his putting prowess, playing cards, particularly on Wednesday nights at ACC playing High, Low, Jack and he enjoyed other table games like ping pong and billiards where he was also very skilled.  He also cared very deeply for his friends and family.  Don was an enthusiastic cheerleader for his grandchildren at as many games and matches as he could attend.  He gladly hosted friends and family at his residences in Alliance, North Carolina and Florida.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Josephine Peterson and his wife of 33 years, Dianna (Sotcan).

He is survived by his sister, Jill (John) McCarty of Lexington, KY; his son, Donald (Christine) Peterson, III of Canton, OH and their sons Donald IV (Pete) and John William; his daughter, Molly (Tom Peters) of Fort Pierce, Florida and their three sons Quentin, Logan and Wyatt, Jon Bezon (Jennie) of Sylvania, OH, Jodi (Bezon) (Chuck) Schmidt of Macedonia, OH and their sons William and Jackson, Jill Bezon-Mason of Vass, North Carolina; his companion of seven years Deborah Candito of Naples, FL; and many other nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Thursday, July 20th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow. Ellen Cooper will officiate. A private committal service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 4369 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718.