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Richard Petree, 90, Of Stamford

STAMFORD, Conn. – Richard W. (Dick) Petree, 90, died on Feb. 8 at Stamford Hospital.

Born in Jamestown, N.Y. June 4, 1924, he was the son of Noel H. and Merle (Wilson) Petree. After service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he earned a master’s degree in East Asian Studies at Harvard University and entered the U.S. Foreign Service. A skilled Japanese linguist, his diplomatic career included postings as political counselor in the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo; consul general in Naha, Okinawa; and consul in Fukuoka, Japan. After serving as political counselor in the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he was nominated by President Carter to serve as deputy U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations for security and political affairs, with the rank of ambassador (1976-1981).

After retiring from the Foreign Service, he was the founding president of the U.S.-Japan Foundation (1981-1988). He was a longtime member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; son Richard Jr. of New York City; daughter Susan of Newport, R.I.; and son Daniel of San Diego, Calif. Following interment in Boulder, Colo., a memorial service in Stamford is planned in early April.

To send condolences to the family, visit the Gallagher Funeral Home here

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