Northampton, MA – David A. Peterson, 81, formerly of Leverett, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2026. He was known affectionately as Dad, Grandpa, Baba, Butch, and Uncle Dave to the family he loved so dearly. He was the son of Felix and Julia (Tidlund) Peterson and brother to Alan (Becky) and the late Carol (Donald) Schabaker. He lost Eleanor, his wife of nearly 60 years, in 2024. He leaves behind many who will miss him, including daughters: Cathy Leonard (Gregg) and Tammy Lyons (Jim), 5 grandchildren: Megan, Samantha, Jason, Andrea and Jacob, and 7 great grandchildren: Stewart, Eleanor, Abby, Taylor, Grace, Zoey and Lucas. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins. David was a graduate of Amherst High School and worked his entire career as a chef at many area restaurants, retiring from the Blue Wall at UMass Amherst. He was an avid participant in 4-H livestock projects, sharing that hobby with his siblings, kids and grandkids. With his “ladies” (wife and sister-in-law, Betty LaValle) by his side, he was a constant presence at fields and courts all around Western MA, cheering on the grandkids wherever they were playing. After losing them both, he still made every effort to be on the sidelines when the great grandkids were playing. He was a lifelong coin enthusiast, making his rounds during the week to see what was new. At home, you could find him in his comfy chair watching college sports. He was so proud of his family, whether it was calling to spread the latest updates around or bragging to everyone at the retirement community.
He was predeceased in death by his son, Duane Freeman.
The family would like to wholeheartedly thank the food and housekeeping staff at Violet’s Crossing as well as his resident neighbors for making his last few years so enjoyable.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 29, from
10am –11:30am at the Douglass Funeral Service, with burial following in Wildwood Cemetery.
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