Delbert Reed Petersen (Reed P.)

Reed passed away on February 8th, 2020 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. The second child of Maxine and James Herbert “Hub” Petersen, he was born August 21st, 1941 in Moab, Utah. He never knew his older brother Ross, who died shortly after birth. While still an infant, Reed’s small family moved to Dragerton (now East Carbon) in Carbon County, Utah. Two years after Reed’s birth, his brother Ron (Sally) was born. In the middle of his 6th grade school year, Reed’s family moved again, this time to Salt Lake City, seeking medical treatment for his mother. Reed and Ron enrolled in Webster Elementary School where Reed met the love of his life and future bride, Carol Gannuscia.

Reed’s beloved mother, Maxine, passed away in 1958. His father, being a young widower, later married Jean Park Martinson. Reed immediately gained two new younger brothers, John (Dianne) and Scott (James Duran), as well as a new younger sister, Lynne Petersen. Later, Jim was born.

While attending high school, Reed worked in his father’s grocery store in Murray and eventually began what would become a lifelong career in the meat industry. After graduating from Murray High School in 1960, Reed was reunited with his love Carol. They later eloped to Elko, Nevada and were married on August 26th, 1962. Their romance gave them two daughters, Susan “Susie” and Christine “Christy”. Reed was always supportive of his daughters and was so proud to be their father. His oldest daughter Susie, married Eric Schramm. Their daughter, Zoe Logan, was the apple of her “Papa’s” eyes. Reed loved his amazing granddaughter, Zoe, with all his heart and especially enjoyed listening to her play the clarinet for him. Their love for music was mutual. Reed was an avid fan of Utah Utes football, but his greatest pleasure was spending time with his family, including his very special four-legged friends, Halo, Daisy, and Mr. Duke.

On July 15th, 1981, Reed P. became a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). He was sober for nearly 39 years and his collection of medallions or “chips” reflects that. He faithfully attended at least two meetings a week for most of that time and credited his membership in A.A. for his long term sobriety, saving his marriage and his relationship with his daughters. As a dedicated member of A.A., he gladly served in a variety of ways and was instrumental in establishing the weekly meeting held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He always made himself available to anyone needing a supportive friend – then, or for a lifetime. He said he would be forever grateful for the Grand Fellowship and paid it forward by helping countless others in their recovery. Reed was sober to the end.

In the Alcoholics Anonymous tradition of self-support, and in lieu of flowers, A.A. members may donate to the Salt Lake A.A. Central Office (www.saltlakeaa.org or 80 West Louise Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115, 801-484-7871)