Leonard J. Peterson, 81, of Melrose, died with loved ones at his side on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Len grew up in Wakefield. He graduated from Wakefield High School and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He served both in the Navy at the end of World War II and in the Army Corps of Engineers in the Korean Conflict. Len was the loving husband of his wife of 59 years, Rosemary (Giordano) and the devoted father of 8 children: Christine Peterson and husband John Horneff of Charlottesville, Virginia; Mark Peterson and wife Fay of Lynbrook, New York; John Peterson and wife Sheila of Foxboro; Daniel Peterson and wife Joy of Hollis, New Hampshire; Julia and husband Bruce McAllister of Cape Neddick, Maine; Ellen Peterson of Melrose; Andrew Peterson and wife Patricia of Melrose; and Joel Peterson of Wakefield. He was the proud grandfather of Kathryn, Emily, Brian, Seana, Kelly, Elizabeth, Christopher, Alex, Eric, Sarah, Megan and Noah Peterson. He was the caring brother of Emily Mudge of Corona, California and the late Walter "Bud" Peterson of Texas, the brother-in-law of Clara Welch of Ormond Beach, Florida and Lawrence Giordano of Methuen, and was loved by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his "honorary son" Rithy Uong of Lowell. Len was known by those close to him for his wit, warmth, integrity, generosity, and devotion to his family. He had a long career as a civil engineer. With his family, he devoted 3 years to lay missionary work in Chile and later 2 years as an engineer in Ecuador working on a project for the United Nations. Len was also a committed participant in the life of his community and church, especially the Christian Family Movement; MMTV's "Wellsprings of Faith" series; the Ell Pond Committee; and the Marriage Preparation Program, Pro-Life Committee, and Mission Possible at St. Mary's Church. Later in life, golf became a favorite way to spend time with family and friends. Memorial services will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Melrose on Saturday December 20th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to any of the following organizations: Dr. John Consoli's Mission Possible, c/o Propagation of the Faith, 49 Franklin St, Boston MA 02110, Mass Citizens For Life, 529 Main St., Boston, MA 02129, Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St. Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 Visitation: None None