Obituary of David Peterson

ROCHESTER, NY – February 19, 2026

Family life:

David “RAP” Peterson was born on March 19, 1954 in Rochester, NY. He was the middle child to James and Lenora (Walker) Peterson, both of which he as rejoined in Heaven.

David and his siblings, James Jr. “Pete”, Michael (deceased), Brenda, and Tim, were the first Black family on Merrimac. David was always the one to give everyone a run for their money. He was also the one who made friends wherever he went. In his childhood years, David frequently hung out at Baden St. Settlement. That is where he would meet the love of his life, Linda Coley. In his late teens and early twenties, David went on to have three children, Alicia, David (Dinniqui), and Andre. Linda and David remained in each other’s lives throughout this time, and also had three children together; James David (deceased), DavidA’ (Antoine), and Jacob (deceased). Linda and David have been married since August 14, 1993.

Education and career:

David graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. He then went to Monroe Community College, and worked as security for a short time before landing a job at the Sheriff’s Office. As soon as David was eligible he went into the police academy and joined the Rochester Police Department, where he worked for 21 years. During his time with RPD he worked on a special force called Tactical. He also went back to school and graduated from RIT with a Bachelors in Political Science. As soon as David retired he started his own Private Investigator business, that he only recently retired from in December 2025. David also had his own security company, and was the first Black bail bond agent/company in Rochester, NY.

In between working and creating businesses, David took over Boy Scout Troop 293 when his father James Peterson retired in the early 2000s. David also mentored a number of young people from New Bethel CME Church, friends of his youngest son Jacob, and many of his nieces, nephews, and grandkids.

Later Years:

Before Covid David enjoyed going to church on Sunday at New Bethel CME Church, attending Peterson-Anthony family reunions, and getting a good cheeseburger with friends or family. COPD may have physically slowed David down, but it did not verbally slowed him down. David regularly talked to friends and loved ones everyday. He coached and preached to his nieces, nephews and grandkids. In his final days, David was still coaching and preaching, writing in a notebook his final lessons to all who visited him.

David passed away peacefully on Thursday February 19th, 2026. He was listening to “Center of My Joy” with his daughter DavidA’, when he took his last breath. All the way through the end, David always kept God First.

Friends may call Friday, February 27 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 549 Clarissa Street, Rochester, NY 14608. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow at 12:00 Noon. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY.