Donald F. Peterson, 85, of Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, formerly of Macungie, died Feb. 21, 2025, at his residence.

He and his wife, Rebecca A. (Hayes) Peterson, were married 65 years.

Born Oct. 11, 1939, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Ersel C. and Theresa (Yannatell) Peterson.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during a peacetime era.

He met the love of his life, Becky, while stationed in Norfolk, Va. and they were married on Jan. 2, 1960.

They raised three children while building and managing a refractory construction business, Lehigh Valley Refractories Inc.

Upon his retirement from LVR, he and his wife opened a successful Wyland art gallery in Avalon, N.J., and a second in South Street Seaport, N.Y.

He enjoyed travel and vacationing and saw many exotic parts of the world.

He was an avid golfer, and an enthusiastic investor and collector.

However, the moments he loved the most were when he was surrounded by his large and energetic family.

He was a member of St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by children Pamela A. Wagner (David) of Fogelsville, Gary C. Peterson (Barbara) of Delaware, and Audra L. Replogle (Robert) of Orefield; grandchildren Adam (Emily), Brian (Caroline), Mark (Emily), Matthew (Chelsea), Haley (Luke), Michael, Eric (Lauren), Addison, and Owen; and great-grandchildren Logan, Sophie, Margaret, George and Noah.

He was predeceased by a brother, Ersel C. Peterson Jr.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. March 1 at Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday before the service.

Private entombment will follow the service with military honors at Grandview Chapel Mausoleum, South Whitehall. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancare.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel 2 Towers, and/or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, all c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.