Westborough – Peace Corps volunteer John D. L. Petersen, 24, a former resident of Westborough, passed away in a swimming accident while visiting northern Namibia, Africa on Dec. 31, 2014.
John was passionate about helping others and dedicated to making the world a better place. He was an exceptional Peace Corps volunteer of great integrity who poured his heart and soul into building relationships with his Namibian community so he could make a difference.
A native of Westborough, John served as a small enterprise and entrepreneurship development volunteer in Namibia. He worked at the local Community Skills Development Center, where he developed a close relationship with his Namibian counterparts. Peace Corps staff in Namibia remember John as quiet, humble, always smiling, and ever polite and observant. They said John had an “insightfulness about his questions and a curiosity about everything around him.”
In his Peace Corps aspiration statement, John wrote, “I want a career where I know that my work is having a significant and positive impact on others’ lives.” He wrote of his goal “to work effectively with the host country partners and meet their needs,” and that “keeping all channels of communication open and keeping my mind open will help to ensure that I don’t miss a thing.”
John was dedicated to public service, serving as an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, where he participated in community service projects and led younger scouts in outdoors training and backpacking trips. He also served as a disaster services volunteer with the American Red Cross of Massachusetts, helping to provide local residents with food, clothing and shelter following natural disasters.
John graduated magna cum laude from Marist College, where he earned a presidential scholarship and a place on the dean’s list. In addition to community service, he was passionate about woodworking, environmental conservation, photography, visiting MLB baseball parks, and NCAA March Madness.
John is survived by his parents, Robert K. and Sally (Blois) Petersen of Westborough; his older brother Mark K.K. Petersen of Lakewood, Colo.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m., in the Congregational Church of Westborough, 57 West Main St. A private family graveside service will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to the John D. L. Petersen Memorial Fund can be made online at www.peacecorps.gov/petersen/. Let the family know of any donations made by choosing the “In Memory of” option on the donation form. Donations by mail should be sent to the Peace Corps, Office of Gifts and Grants Management, 1111 20th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20526. In memo line, note “John D. L. Petersen Memorial Fund.”
