Obituary of Thomas R Pedersen

Warren: Thomas R. Pedersen; age 91, passed away on Saturday December 28, 2013 at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. Born in Corona NY, Mr. Pedersen grew up in Whitestone NY and has resided in Warren since 1968. Mr. Pedersen was in the first graduating class of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point NY. Mr. Pedersen is 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 NYC, and later worked for Weeks Stevedoring Company in Cranford. Prior to retiring he worked for Turecamo Coastal and Harbor Towing for eight years. Mr. Pedersen is a long time member of the Francis Lewis Mason's Lodge 273. Mr. Pedersen was well known for his wood working. 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, his daughters Susan Spingler and her husband Donald of Newbern, NC and Ellen Bland and her husband Timothy of Basking Ridge, five grandchildren, Kristina and Kyle Hedden, Rachel, Drew and Scott Pedersen, two step grandchildren, Lauren and Eric Bland. He is also survived by his loving cousin Arline Thorsen and his dear Lakeland Terrier, Tippa. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, from 2-4 and 7-9 at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung NJ, 07069. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 10:00 am at the funeral home followed by an interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park , Basking Ridge. To send condolences please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made is his loving memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center at 575 Woodland Ave, PO Box 159 Madison NJ 07940 or to the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation at 14 Bond Street, #1000 - Great Neck, NY 11021 - 516-482-5274