Remembering Al Peterson

• UPDATED: This one shook us, to put it mildly. We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and former colleague Al Peterson, best known and loved as the longtime News-Talk-Sports Editor at the late, great Radio & Records has passed away. While the exact details are unclear, Al’s family posted a lengthy notice on his Facebook page, explaining that he died “a little over a week ago. It was not COVID, but rather an unusual series of events that led to oxygen being cut off to his heart, brain & organs. It was very sudden and shocking, but we take comfort knowing that he did not suffer at all.

Per Al’s very clear directive, his organs were harvested for transplant, potentially helping 60+ other people. He also requested that no funeral services be held. Instead, his family said, “We will honor his wishes with a BIG celebration of his life once the world opens up again & we can all be together to laugh, dance, eat, drink & pay tribute to the wonderful life he had.”

Peterson retired a few years ago and was thoroughly enjoying his newfound leisure time at his home in Poway, CA. “Al was the happiest retired man ever — always enjoying the simple things in life,” the posting reads. “And the most important thing in his whole world was being the best husband & father he could be. Many of you know of Al’s storied career in the radio & record business, but he always said the only job title that ever mattered to him was ‘Dad.'” Al is survived by his wife, Cindy, son Adam and daughter Rebecca.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Al in some way, you are invited to make a donation to one of his favorite charities: The San Diego Food Bank & Feeding San Diego.

• Special thanks to “Radio’s Best Friend,” Art Vuolo, who lovingly chronicled Al Peterson’s heartfelt introduction of the legendary Paul Harvey — Harvey’s last speech to the radio industry — during his keynote at the 2003 R&R Talk Radio Seminar at the Marina del Rey Marriott.