Obituary
Staten Island, NY – Ed Peterson, one of Wagner College's all-time great multi-sport athletes, Hall of Fame member, supporter and benefactor, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019.
A 1956 Wagner graduate and a 1992 Hall of Fame inductee, Peterson was a standout for both the Seahawk basketball and baseball programs. During, and following, his 34-year career as a senior human resources executive with General Electric, Peterson was an avid supporter of, and generous benefactor to, the College and the Seahawk athletic program.
"In addition to being one of the greatest athletes in Wagner history, Ed was such a great guy and will be sorely missed," said Wagner athletic director
Walt Hameline. "He played a major role in making so many positive changes for the academic advancement of our student-athletes.
"In fact, thanks to Ed's generous contribution, we currently have a study hall renovation project underway in the Spiro Sports Center that is nearly complete and set to be named in his honor." Hameline added. "He was so looking forward to being there for its unveiling this fall."
On the basketball court, Peterson was recognized as one of the best players in the Metropolitan area. He finished his four-year career with 1,172 points, which at the time of his graduation, ranked third in school history.
A 6-2 forward, Peterson was also tough under the "boards," grabbing 824 rebounds in four years, which were at the time the second-most in school history. He teamed up with fellow Hall of Famer Charles West (1,512 points) to help the Green & White achieve a 44-26 record over their three varsity seasons. Peterson also starred in the field, and at the plate, for the Seahawk baseball team.
Following his Wagner graduation, Peterson served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was stationed in Lebanon for one year, before embarking on his 34 year-career at GE. He retired from GE in 1993.
