Frank R. Petersen ’42 passed away peacefully on January 16, 2009, at home surrounded by his family. Frank was born February 10, 1919 in Reno, Nev. He was raised by his mother, Louise, who was blind.  Frank graudated with honors form Reno High School in 1937.  He was elected to the Reno High School Hall of Fame for football and basketball. He was offered football scholarships to many universities across the nation and chose Santa Clara University.  He was the first student from Reno High School to play big-time college football. He was coached by Buck Shaw and assistant coach Len Casanova, both in the college football Hall of Fame.  Frank played right halfback for the Broncos.  The Broncos faced and beat the likes of Purdue, Michigan State, Stanford, California, Oklahoma, and UCLA while he was there.  From 1937 to 1942 the Broncos were ranked 15th or better in the Associated Press final polls.  Frank was commissioned in the Army after he graduated in the summer of 1942 and later transferred to the Army Air Corps, in which he served until after the end of World War II.  Frank attained the rank of captain and piloted a B-17 aircraft, which he named RENO-vation. He flew more than 60 combat missions in the European and Pacific theaters during the war, including three on D-Day. He received the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. After being discharged, Frank went to law school at the University of San Francisco and returned to Reno to start his law practice in 1950. He enjoyed a successful and distinguished career. He was joined in his practice by his son, Steven ’69, in 1972.  His warmth and humor will be remembered as well as his endeavors to help people form all walks of life.  Frank is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vera; his son, Steven (Gayle); granddaughter, Lisa Petersen; granddaughter, Carly Garamendi (Michael) and great-grandchildren, Maggie and Will Garamendi.