Daryl B. Peterson Sr

Daryl B. Peterson Sr. was born to the union of Sam and Ruby Peterson on May 19, 1952. He peacefully left the family he loved to enter Heaven's Gates on May 10, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Peterson Jr.; both grandparents, Sam and Edythe Peterson Sr., Elder and Mrs. Robert McNeal Sr.; his loving wife, Doris Peterson; special friend, Sally Urbina, and many other loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and nieces. In February of this year, Daryl fully accepted Jesus Christ, sparing his soul so he could enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Daryl attended Jesup W. Scott High School for his freshman year, where he earned his varsity letter playing tennis. He finished the remainder of his high school career at Thomas A. DeVilbiss High School, graduating in 1970. Daryl's work ethic started at the age of seven years old, delivering newspapers for The Toledo Blade and shining shoes. He was a faithful employee to Domino's Pizza during his high school years and even sold Kirby vacuum cleaners. At the age of 18, he got a job at Chrysler Perrysburg. He was eventually laid off, only to be hired at Toledo Jeep, where he worked until his death. During his tenure at Jeep, the positions that he held came to include: Steward, Committeeman, Secretary of Treasure, Vice President and Vice Chairman of the UAW Local 12. Daryl worked at the plant for 42 years. For 36 of those years, he served as a union rep. He was first elected as a steward in the late 70s and in 1985, he was voted into the bargaining committee where he helped negotiate various contracts. In 2001, he became the Vice Chairman of the bargaining committee, which is the position he's held ever since. Simultaneously, he served as the Vice President of the local 12 for the past 7 years. Daryl was very active in the Union, having participated in many events and leadership activities. For example, he served as a LUDL at Black Lake Michigan. While in Black Lake, he taught various different union related concepts and practices like collective bargaining and grievance handling (the art of negotiating with companies) to help less tenured union stewards. He was also an active lifetime NAACP member. "Daryl was a huge part of the success that we've had here at jeep and a huge part of the growth that we've experienced. He was a big part of the bargaining committee and played a huge role in contract negotiations with American motors, Chrysler, Daimler, and recently with FIAT. He always put the union members first; his first concern was always the guys on shop floor. He was a humble man that never wanted to be in the spotlight. He always wanted to be on the shop floor working on issues there." -Bruce Baumhower. Daryl was an avid Detroit sports fan, especially in regards to the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Redwings. He's been a Lions season ticket holder for more than a decade and even frequented Tigers and Pistons games as well. The back room of his house was basically a dedication to all of the great Lions' players and to the organization in general; the walls and shelves were filled with plaques, pictures, autographed sports cards, and various other memorabilia. He leaves to celebrate the joys of his life, his loving mother, Ruby Peterson; two children, Damika (MI) and Daryl Jr. (IL); two sisters, Edythe and Rhonda Peterson of Toledo Ohio; grandchildren, Darniece, DeSchion, Ramayia, Rhayne, and great- granddaughter, Di'Shay, along with a host of other aunts, uncles cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by two loving friends, Dora Martinez and Bobbielove McCullough. A special thank you goes out to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Anne's Hospital and Hospice. Family hour will be held Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and services start at 12 p.m. at New Life Church of God in Christ at 1215 Oakwood Ave, Toledo, OH 43607. A special thank you goes out to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Anne's Hospital and Hospice. -