Mr. Leo Petersen

Leo Joseph Petersen, a native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, was a devout Catholic, a World War II veteran, and a dedicated advocate for fair labor rights. He passed away peacefully in his home on August 29, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born on February 27, 1926, to Joseph Emmanuel and Julia Amalia Petersen. His life was a testament to faith, a legacy of service, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

As a devout Catholic, Leo's faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was an altar boy, a regular at Mass, a man of prayer, saying his prayers religiously at 3:00 p.m. on Sundays, and an active
parish member. He was an usher at Holy Family Parish and was elected to serve on the Holy Family Parish Council.

Born in 1926, he grew up during a time that shaped his strong work ethic. In April 1945, Leo was inducted into the U.S. Army, during World War II, serving in the 76th Ordnance Depot Company at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. He earned several decorations, including the World War II Victory Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, and the American Theater Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 29, 1946, after receiving a Certificate for Veterans Service and Appreciation. He attended the Christiansted Nursing School and the Chicago School of Investigations and Claims, laying the foundation for a life committed to helping others.

Following his military service, Leo’s career was marked by diverse roles and unwavering commitment. Leo was a weather bureau observer for a short time. He was hired as the youngest shipping agent for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He was supervisor of School Lunch Operations for 10 schools in St. Croix. He relocated to New York and accepted a job as a recovery room technician at St. Luke’s Hospital having received professional nurse training. His gentle nature and steadfast compassion made him a favorite among patients and colleagues alike. In 1959, he was honored as “Employee of the Year”, standing out among approximately 4,000 employees. This was one of the highest honors of his working career, and he spoke of it often. Whenever he visited the doctor or was in the hospital, he would ask, “Did you know that I was a nurse?” Then he would tell them about his favorite memories at St. Luke's Hospital.

Leo’s journey did not end there. He transitioned from nursing to a role with the Federal government in the United States Postal Service at Radio City Station and Village Station in New York. There, he gained his first experience as a Union Delegate, representing his colleagues with passion and integrity. His leadership was instrumental during the “March on Washington” in 1969, which led to the first and only postal strike in history at that time. For his efforts, Leo was honored by Moe Biller, the National President of the American Postal Worker’s Union, and later by Office Superintendent Stivenson for achieving a 100% score in two consecutive years on postal clerical examinations, a feat unmatched by his 384 colleagues.

Leo relocated from New York to St. Thomas to assist his elderly mother. He continued his postal service career, holding various positions such as mail clerk and eventually payroll officer, 
dedicating 32 years to the service before retiring.

Leo was an active member of numerous organizations, including serving as Commander of the First Christiansted Cadet Corp (1952-1957), U.S. Postal Union Official (1967-1992), Vice President of the Central Labor Council of the U.S.V.I. (1978-1982), American Postal Workers Union (AFL-CIO) (1960-1992), and Member of the Federal Employees C.O.L.A. Council of the U.S.V.I. (1978-1984). He also contributed to the Public Employees Relations Board (1980-1984), Holy Family Church Council (1988-1992), and served as Adjutant of American Legion Post #90 (1995-2002). His leadership extended to government service, where he was a Commissioner under two U.S.V.I. governors (1981-1995) and Acting Chairman of the Commissioner in 1994.

He believed in the dignity of all work and was a staunch supporter of fair labor rights, advocating tirelessly for the rights and welfare of workers. He played a crucial role in merging postal unions
in St. Croix and St. Thomas, which led to the creation of the Central Labor Union Council of the V.I. This council includes the American Federation of Firefighters, Steel Workers of America, American Federation of Teachers, Professional Nurses Association, United States Postal Workers Union, Seafarers International, Policemen Benefit Association, and several other government unions. He was elected Secretary-Treasurer four times under four different union presidents and eventually became the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

On February 11, 1978, which coincided with Sharon’s birthday, he had the exceptional honor of testifying before a congressional sub-committee on behalf of all federal and postal employees in
the Virgin Islands. His testimony was highly praised, earning him recognition as a star witness, and as a result, federal employees received a higher cost of living adjustment. Governor Juan Luis established the first Government Employees Labor Relations Board, and Leo served as the spokesman for the Government Labor Management Commission. He was confirmed by the 14th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and was later renominated for a second and third term by Governor Alexander Farrelly. Subsequently, Leo was elected as District Vice President for St. Thomas and St. John. On the 100th anniversary of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), he spoke on behalf of all the unions in St. Thomas and St. John.

His dedication to labor rights earned him numerous recognition awards from the Caribbean Headquarters office, the American Postal Workers Union (AFL-CIO) of the Virgin Islands, and the Washington, D.C. headquarters. Despite his passion for politics and the encouragement he received to pursue a political career, Leo never ventured into that field. Leo found immense joy in
preparing meals for his loved ones, cherishing the camaraderie it brought. His signature dish was boiled fish with butter sauce and okra fungi—a true favorite among those who knew him well. If
you know, you know.

He possessed a remarkable storytelling ability and an acute memory, often recalling events with precision, even down to the smallest details, including what someone was wearing. He would
punctuate his tales with the phrase, “And yonder and stuff,” which essentially meant, “You know what I mean?”

Leo dedicated his life to serving his country, community, and family. He will be fondly remembered for his steadfast faith, dedication to justice, and deep love for those around him, especially his family. Leo cherished his late wife, Lucia Petersen, with whom he shared over 50 years and built a strong family. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership, filled with countless memories of joy, laughter, and mutual support.

Leo was preceded in death by his son Dwayne DeGraffe; sisters, Evelyn Knowles Penn, Gloria Jackson, and Ellery Brown; and brother, Basil Frederico Petersen.

Those left to cherish loving memories are his daughters, Maria Petersen McFarlane, Ann Leona Garcia, Yvette Petersen, Yvonne Hendricks, Denise DeGraffe, Sandra McFarlane (Ronald Sr.),
Sharon Briscoe, and Sonja Carter (Lamont); his son Mario Heywood; grandchildren, Denise Pittman, Ramona Oliver, Ava Shepherd, Tremaine McFarlane, Franklin McFarlane, April McFarlane, Ronald A. McFarlane, Jr., Richard A. McFarlane, Alexa Williams, Maarc Leo Georges, Juanita Clarke, Errol Clarke, Jr., Winston Petersen, Kyra Travis, Kareena Moses, Mario Hendricks, Myron Hendricks, Robert Heywood, Carla Heywood, Angela Turner, Toya Heywood, Tamisha Francis, Kaleah David, Kadesha David, Earl Singleton, Jr., Dasaun Finch, a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, Geraldine Benjamin, Cecelia Knowles, Renee Jackson, Donna Ferdinand, and Leone Jackson; nephews, Alvin Petersen, Antonio Petersen, Raymond Petersen, Gregory Byron, and Lester Ferdinand; and many other loving relatives and caring friends.

Leo imparted the principles of faith, honor, and service, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength that will endure for generations. Leo Joseph Petersen will be honored with military rites, a fitting tribute to a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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