Obituary of Frederick A. Peterson Jr.

Frederick A. Peterson, Jr. a longtime resident of Kensington, Connecticut went to his heavenly reward on June 25, 2023 in the home that he loved. He rejoins his beloved wife, Irene, his parents and siblings.

Fred was born in New Britain, CT on July 20, 1924 the son of Frederick A. Peterson, Sr. and Marion Agnes (Malinak) Peterson. He was predeceased by his sisters Adele Peterson Shepard and Marilyn Peterson DeWolf.

Fred leaves five children, all a blessing to his life. Frederick A. Peterson, III, of Tamiment, PA., Robert C. Peterson, (Sarah) of Summerville, SC, Donald (Jude) of Dracut, MA., Mary Jane Peterson Duplin (Mark) of Newington, CT and Roger Peterson of New Britain, CT. He also leaves ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Fred lived in New Britain until his teenage years when he moved with his family to East Berlin. It was there that he met the love of his life and future bride, Irene Corr of Kensington. Fred went to New Britain public schools graduating during World War II. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Theater as a Gunner’s Mate on the USS Kanawah AOG-31. After WWII he worked at the B. Jahn Manufacturing Company in New Britain where he became a Master diemaker. Fred retained and recently reviewed many of his engineering notes detailing his solutions to what other people regarded as “Impossible” jobs. If there was a way a thing could be made, Fred Peterson was the one to find it.

From his childhood Fred had a love of learning.  He recalled being told by the librarian at the New Britain Children’s library that there were “no more new books to read”. He had read them all. While working fulltime and raising a growing family Fred went to college at night. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Central Connecticut State College. He was a thesis away from attaining his doctoral degree from the University of Connecticut. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree Fred began a teaching career. He taught die making at E.C. Goodwin Technical School, then went into administration. He served as Assistant Director at several State technical high schools until retiring from Wilcox Technical School. After retirement, Fred continued on a part-time basis as an Adjunct lecturer at Central CT State College. Fred developed diversified course outline for specialized course addressing unique needs in the state, federal and private sector.

When fully retired, Fred took up painting. Pastels were his media of choice. He was a member of the Meriden Art League and quite accomplished. His paintings grace the walls of many homes of his extended family and friends. Fred loved to travel. He instilled a love of open road in all his children. With the family packed in the car, there was always some place to go and something new to see.

After retirement with his dear wife, Irene, the trips got longer. Fred and Irene enjoyed visiting extended family throughout the country and international travel.  After the passing of Irene, Fred continued his adventures around New England and beyond with his son, Roger. Even in his very last days Fred yearned for a drive around the reservoir, a trip to the Connecticut shoreline, a ride to UCONN for some ice cream and, of course, Cape Cod. Fred loved the feel of wheels turning beneath him.

Even when fully employed at work and school Fred managed to participate in many professional, civic, church and fraternal organizations, like his father before him, Fred was a past regent of the Royal Arcanum and he attained the 4^th degree in the Knights of Columbus. Fred also was a member of the Knights’ color guard. Fred instilled in his children a strong faith in God, a love of family and loyalty to country. He contributed to the building of Veterans monuments through New England. There are countless bricks memorializing his beloved wife and his children at such locations.

Fred lived a full and fruitful life. His presence will be missed and his eternal rest is well earned.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Resurrection at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 485 Alling St. Kensington, CT on Friday June 30, 2023 at 10:00AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, 1141 Stanley St. New Britain. The family will receive visitors at Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, CT on Thursday, June 29^th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Coast Guard Museum Association, New London, CT https://www.coastguardmuseum.org.