Robert Peterson Obituary

Robert James Peterson
Born: July 22, 1947
Died: February 8, 2026
Robert James Peterson, born July 22, 1947, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away at the age of 78 on February 8, 2025, in Barrington, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth H. (Marceau) Peterson and Bernard T. Peterson; and his brother, Bernard C. Peterson.
Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia "Penny" Hughes Peterson; sister Leanne Edmunds of Chandler, Arizona; several nieces and a nephew; Penny's daughters and sons-in-law, Erika and Edgar Roman and Megan and David Moody; and their four children, Johnathon Roman, Emerson Roman, Joshua Moody, and Annelise Moody.
Bob attended Western Michigan University and later the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in 1974. While in school he earned the nickname "Dr. Friendly," a perfect reflection of the warm and welcoming person he was. Around 1975, he opened his optometry practice in McHenry. In 1978, Dan Jannotta joined the practice, which became Peterson & Jannotta.
Dr. Bob, as he was affectionately known to his patients and many friends, lived a life devoted to service. He was extremely active in Kiwanis International of McHenry, where he was a member from August 1971 to September 2018 and served as president a few years during that time. Over those 47 years, Bob contributed to nearly every endeavor the club undertook. He also served as past president of the Lake-McHenry Branch of the Illinois Optometric Society.
Bob further served his community as the elected alderman of the 6th Ward for the City of McHenry from May 2003 until February 2017. During his tenure he served on numerous committees and chaired the Parks and Recreation Committee. Bob played an important role in the development of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, the Bike Path Plan, Petersen Park and Waterfront, and many other initiatives that helped shape the community he loved.
Bob will be sorely missed. He was truly a friend to all, and if you would like to honor his memory, take a moment to say hello to a stranger – you may make someone's day a little brighter, just as Bob often did.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association. A special thank you to JourneyCare for their compassionate care; donations to JourneyCare in his honor are also appreciated.