Gary William Peterson, well-known musician

Gary William Peterson, 60, of Millsboro, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, after a six-month battle with stage 4 esophageal cancer. He was born in Perth Amboy, N.J., May 16, 1962, to the late Bernard Peterson and Helen Serdinsky Peterson, who survive him.  

Gary grew up in Woodbridge, N.J. He enjoyed the process of learning, and it was a bit of family lore that he read the entire encyclopedia during the summer, when he was just 9 years old. He loved hockey, and played the sport in high school and into adulthood. Music was also a passion. When he was a child, he taught himself to play guitar and bass, and he played those instruments for the rest of his life. He moved to Delaware in 2005, and worked with a few local bands through the years, most notably as the bassist of Blackwater from Cambridge, Md. He also enjoyed open mic sessions, jamming with friends, going to concerts and playing at home daily. His talent and love of music made him well-known in the community. His other joys were spending time with his family, walks and hikes in the state parks, and his study of Qigong, Buddhism and meditation. 

For the last few years, he was employed in quality control for Delaware Elevator Manufacturing. He attended church at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware periodically, and recently found Buddhism as his spiritual path, which gave him a great deal of comfort and peace. Gary was a loving father, a caring brother and son, a lover of nature, a kind and intelligent man, and a great friend to many. 

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Amber Peterson; his children, Oriana and Drayson; and his siblings: Bernie Peterson and wife Carol, Chris Peterson and wife Debbie, Jean Peterson, and Terri Peterson and husband George Potor. Gary also leaves behind nieces and a nephew, and extended family members, as well as many friends. He was well-loved; he will be missed dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, 30486 Lewes Georgetown Hwy., Lewes, for anyone who would like to attend. After a brief reception, an open jam session for those who played with Gary will be held in the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, which supports school music programs, at keepingthebluesalive.org.

Send electronic condolences to watsonfh.com.