William Moore Peterson of Providence, R.I., died August 13.

He was a longtime resident of Southampton, N.Y., and Oak Bluffs. William graduated from Brown University, Oxford University (Wadham) and University of Bristol (England). He was professor emeritus of English at Southampton College, Long Island University. William served as a mentor to many MFA students and former dramaturge for the Peccadillo Theatre in New York. He was a lifelong supporter of the theatre and arts communities and a longtime member and past president of the Lagoon Pond Association of Martha’s Vineyard.

He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Lance Peterson, father of Thomas Peterson (Dorothy) and James Peterson (Sharon Reif), and grandfather of Catherine Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Providence, R.I., on Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education or arts mission of your choice.