Senate Resolution No. 2041
BY: Senator WEBB
MOURNING the death of Floyd "Todd" Peterson III,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Floyd "Todd" Peterson III of Ithaca, New York, died on July
30, 2021, at the age of 60; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Peterson distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, A true performer at his core, Floyd Peterson was a baton
twirler, dancer, model, actor, acrobat, magician, ice dancer, and
puppeteer; and
WHEREAS, Reaching great heights with his impressive range of skills,
Floyd Peterson was inducted into the Baton Twirling Hall of Fame in
1994, danced in the Broadway production of "Cats" with Gregory and
Maurice Hines, and was featured in music videos and a Dr. Pepper
commercial; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Peterson worked in the Poconos as a director of
theater at Camp Summit, performed at the New York State Fair, danced for
the Ithaca Festival, and was one of the last performers at the
Schoellkopf Field July 4th celebrations; and
WHEREAS, An admired educator, Floyd Peterson worked at every school
in the Ithaca School District, spending 38 years with students in an
array of positions; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Peterson directed and choreographed musicals, and was
the founding choreographer of "Running To Places"; and
WHEREAS, With a belief in every individual he had the pleasure of
working with, Floyd Peterson shined in the creation of performing
groups; he was involved with Thunderbolts Marching Corps and Todd
Peterson Dancers, fostering and highlighting the abilities of
individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or
disability; and
WHEREAS, From 1988 to 2018, Floyd Peterson led the Ithaca Youth
Bureau's Stewart Park Day Camp with warmth, creativity, and unwavering
passion; and
WHEREAS, For his life of selflessness, leadership, and service, the
new Picnic Pavilion at Stewart Park was dedicated to the memory of Floyd
Peterson on May 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional man, Floyd Peterson, influenced thousands
of kids throughout the decades, many of whom were his nieces and nephews
who loved their "Uncle Toddy," and he adored them in return; and
WHEREAS, Floyd Peterson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Floyd Peterson leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourning the death of Floyd "Todd" Peterson III; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Floyd "Todd" Peterson III.
