Father Dennis Lee Peterson

Father Dennis Lee Peterson
Obituary

The Houston Chronicle, via legacy.com
July 14, 2007

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=dennis-lee-peterson&pid=90668283

FATHER DENNIS LEE PETERSON, age 59, passed into heaven on Thursday, July 12, 2007, after a sudden illness. Father Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Charles G. Peterson, Jr. and Mathilda T. Higgins. He is survived by his brother, Charles G. Peterson III and wife Mary; sister, Marlene M. Peterson; seven aunts and uncles, six nephews and nieces, ten grand nephews and nieces and many loving cousins. Father Dennis grew up in Galveston and graduated from Kirwin High School before entering St. Mary's Seminary in Houston in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 and a Masters degree in Theology from the University of St. Thomas. He was ordained a Priest on May 5, 1973 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Galveston. He served his ministry at various churches in the Houston area, including St. Theresa Church and the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral. He was fluent in Spanish and served the Hispanic ministries in the parishes he served. He was also licensed as a Master's level Social Worker. Father Dennis was the Director of Special Youth Services for nearly 20 years and founded Houston Community Youth Center; a residential treatment center from 1969 to 1983 for young men in trouble. Father Dennis greatly enjoyed playing and teaching tennis, photography, scuba diving, reading and ham radio operation. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by the praying of the rosary on Sunday, July 15, 2007 at Earthman Downtown, 2420 Fannin, 713-659-3000. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Father Peterson will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2007 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell, 713-869-3783 in Memorial Park. The Rite of Committal will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Galveston, Texas. Honorary pallbearers are Chuck Peterson, Anthony Higgins, Tommy Garland, Victor Higgins, Brian O'Hare, John Montes and Deacon Auburn Higgins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Acoustic Neuroma Association, 600 Peachtree Pkwy., Lot 108, Cummings, GA 30041 or to USTA Tennis & Education Foundation, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604.