1932 – 2014

SARASOTA, Fla. — Bruce Gordon Peterson, 81, of Sarasota, Fla., and formerly of Auburn, died Sunday, March 23, at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Lewiston on May 19, 1932, the son of Earle A. and Gertrude (Foley) Peterson. He attended Auburn schools, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1950. For many years, he was a retail store manager in Massachusetts and New York.

In 1969, he moved back to Auburn, where he owned and operated C.J.’s Variety at the top of Goff Hill. At retirement, Bruce worked in the Lewiston Public Works office. Bruce enjoyed all New England sports and had a wry sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cecile Belanger Peterson; two daughters, Cindy Scott and her husband, John, of Burnt Hills, N.Y., and Jan Etre and husband, Rick, of Worcester, Mass.; seven grandchildren, Nick, Andrew, Joanna and Aidan Scott and Devon, Nathan and Mia Etre; and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Emily Scott. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Beverly Peterson, of Auburn; niece, Gay Peterson Metivier, of North Yarmouth; and nephew, Steve Peterson, of Richmond, Va.