GRAND ISLAND, NY – Gary Petersen, 85, of Grand Island, New York (formerly of Granville, MA) passed away peacefully at home on January 22nd, 2026, surrounded by cherished loved ones.
He was born on April 25th, 1940, to Olav R. Petersen and Alice (Sheets) Petersen in Springfield, Massachusetts.
He graduated from Westfield High School before entering the Air Force for four years, serving with the office of the staff judge advocate in the U.S. and in Turkey and then finally stationed in Plattsburgh, NY. He started his career at Hitchcock & Co. as a bank auditor and accountant before joining Westfield Savings Bank in February 1969. He was quickly promoted to manager and eventually reached the title of vice president over the course of his 36-year tenure there.
He resided in Granville for 84 years before moving to the western New York area in 2024. He was married to the love of his life, the former Nancy Wackerbarth, for 54 wonderful years. He enjoyed watching sports, observing nature, his treasured labrador retrievers, fun adventures on the dunes of Cape Cod, and time spent with friends and family at his cottage on Otis Reservoir.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy. He leaves behind faithful sister-in-law, Susan M. Snelgrove and brother-in-law James Wackerbarth and companion Karen Robtoy, of Granville, MA. Also, brother-in-law Stephen Wackerbarth and wife Valerie of Florida and brother-in-law, Daniel Rose of Ransomville, NY. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Gary’s family is extremely grateful to Hospice Buffalo for their personal compassionate care. They would also like to thank the Granville Ambulance Service and EMTs that assisted him in the past. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Buffalo at HospiceBuffalo.com or to the Granville Ambulance Service at P.O. Box 247, Granville, MA 01034 in honor of Gary.
Services will be scheduled in the spring/summer at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home.
