Thomas R. Pedersen, 91, of Warren, N.J., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, N.J. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, N.J. 07069. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by an interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge, N.J. To send condolences, please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com. Born in Corona, N.Y., Mr. Pedersen grew up in Whitestone, N.Y., and resided in Warren since 1968. He was in the first graduating class of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. Mr. Pedersen was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served as an officer during World War II. He began his career as a marine engineer working for William J. McCormick in New York City, and later worked for Weeks Stevedoring Company in Cranford, N.J. Prior to retiring he worked for Turecamo Coastal and Harbor Towing for eight years. Mr. Pedersen was a longtime member of the Francis Lewis Masons Lodge 273. Mr. Pedersen was well known for his woodworking. He enjoyed building cabinets, clocks, and especially model ships. He loved nature and learning about it, and was a member of the Audubon Society. He was also an avid reader. A lover of animals, Mr. Pedersen doted over his pets and thoroughly enjoyed his relationship with each one. Mr. Pedersen is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Edna Pedersen; his son, Thomas C. Pedersen and his wife, Jean, of Far Hills, N.J.; his daughters, Susan Spingler and her husband, Donald, of New Bern, N.C., and Ellen Bland and her husband, Timothy, of Basking Ridge; five grandchildren, Kristina and Kyle Hedden, Rachel, Drew and Scott Pedersen; and two step-grandchildren, Lauren and Eric Bland. He is also survived by his loving cousin, Arline Thorsen, and his dear Lakeland Terrier, Tippa. Memorial contributions may be made in his loving memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave., P.O. Box 159, Madison, N.J. 07940, or to the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, 14 Bond St., No. 1000, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021, (516) 482-5274.
Published in Star-Ledger on Dec. 30, 2013