Longtime city public works employee Peterson dies

A longtime Burbank public works employee who was months away from celebrating his 35th year with the city and his retirement died Thursday, March 24.

Arnold “Arnie” Peterson, 55, died in his sleep after suffering a massive heart attack. Peterson leaves behind his wife, Anna, and six children, according to a statement from the Burbank City Employees Assn.

Peterson started working for Burbank on Sept. 16, 1981, as a street maintenance lead worker. He had planned to retire from the city in December, said Armineh Vartanian, executive secretary for the employees association, in an email.

“Arnie was loved by his co-workers and friends,” she said. “He is remembered as the nicest man who loved his family and kids and always wanted to offer a helping hand when needed.”

Peterson’s funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Simi Valley, 1276 Erringer Road.

Vartanian said several public works employees are planning to attend the service in their orange uniforms in honor of Peterson.

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Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio