Francis Donald Peters Jr.

PETERS JR., Francis Donald “Fran” passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He was 90. Born in Somerville, MA on October 14, 1935, to Dr. Francis D. Peters, Sr. and Margaret Masters Peters. He was always proud to say he was born and raised in Somerville.

Fran is survived by his beloved wife, Shu-Zheng Jia; his children and their spouses Dean Peters and his wife Wilma of Tewksbury, MA, Lynne Kacewicz and her husband Jim of Warwick, RI, Mark Peters and his wife Linda of The Villages, FL, and his step-son Maxwell Wang and his wife Naiomi of Holbrook, MA. In addition to his children, he is survived by one granddaughter, Marie Dexter, his sister Maryellen Alsonso, his brother-in-law Dr. George Deemys, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his sister, Judith Deemys.

Fran was a resident of Lexington, MA for 58 years where he raised his family. From 1971 to 1997 he was the proprietor of Apple Scruffs, a clothing store in Lexington Center where he made many friends due to his outgoing personality. Since 2015 he has resided in Hudson, NH. at Mission Pointe. Upon sharing the news of his death with fellow residents, one neighbor wrote “His sense of humor and his big smile will be greatly missed.”

From an early age, Fran was an avid reader and collector of books. In addition to books, Fran also loved music and movies. Over the years he amassed an extensive collection of books, vinyl records, CDs and DVDs. His entrepreneurial spirit was reawakened when he opened his on-line eBay store, which he maintained until about a year ago. He was passionate about his store, having listed over 5,000 books! He credited it with keeping his mind active.

Fran also loved gardening, the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots, traveling to San Miguel, Mexico, dogs and cookies of any kind. He was an accomplished baker of chocolate chip cookies as well as a connoisseur.

There are no services planned. In memory of Fran, the family simply asks that you plant something beautiful, listen to your favorite song, read a good book and treat yourself to a cookie—or two.