Theodore C. Pedersen, beloved husband of Ethel (Andrews) Pedersen for 75 years, died peacefully in Bristol, RI on February 10, 2018. His death followed the February 4th celebration of his 99th birthday, for which he was surrounded by his entire family who loved him very much.
Born in Skudesnes, Norway to the late Gunnar and Inger Serine Pedersen, Ted came to New York as a boy of 11, then moved to New Bedford, and later to Mattapoisett, where he lived for the last 40 years. He was a captain or mate on several F/V, mostly the scalloper Fairhaven.
He was the father of three children; the late Theodore C. Pedersen, Jr., Jonathan Pedersen, and Barbara Allen (Stan Wilbur). He was “Dad” to Janice and Paul Mandeville. “Pumpa” is also survived by his six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Anna S. Arnold.
A recipient of a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Ted served his country in Europe during WWII, including at the Battle of the Bulge, as a member of the 99th Infantry Battalion. In 1945 he was sent to Norway for the celebratory return of exiled King Haakon VII. The Norwegian government presented a commendation for his service in a 2011 ceremony held at their U.S. embassy in Washington, DC.
Ted loved his family, sailing in Mattapoisett Harbor, solving crossword puzzles, and spending winters in Boca Raton, Florida.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors for Mr. Pedersen will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 11am in Pine Grove Cemetery in New Bedford. All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Donaghy-Hathaway Funeral Home, 465 County Street, New Bedford. To light a memorial candle, sign guest book, cemetery directions go to www.hathawayfunerals.com or call 508 992-5486.
Captain Pedersen tought me many lessons about fishing and life. I would have liked to have had much more time under his supervision. Lord’s blessings on his family. Knowing that we are only here for a short time, it won’t be long until we see him again in the Lord’s presence. See you later Cap. I’ll do my best to stay on the tow.