Harold "Herb" R Petersen

Harold “Herb” Petersen was born on June 5, 1933. He was raised in Staten Island, NY, graduated from Tottenville High School in 1951, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving as an airplane mechanic during the Korean War.

Herb went on to a successful career with NJ Bell Telephone Company, starting as an installer, and becoming an Installation Foreman, before working in Materials Management. He finished his career as a Safety Course Curriculum Developer, retiring in 1991.

Herb married his devoted wife, Dianne (Hunter), in 1962 and moved to New Jersey. Together, they happily raised their family in Colonia.

Always a proud veteran, Herb was a member of the T. Nultey American Legion Post 471 in Iselin. He was an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He was recently honored with a veteran’s flag on Inman Avenue in his hometown, which was a day of great celebration for him and his family.

Herb’s love for airplanes inspired him to obtain a pilot’s license in the 1980s. For many years, he enjoyed flying over scenic areas of NJ. He was a golfer for decades, passing on his love for this game to many family members. He rooted for the Yankees and Giants, as a lifetime fan of both of these teams. He could fix anything, and enjoyed maintaining his home with his wife, and teaching his skills to his children and grandchildren. He was looked up to by so many people, not only because of his tall stature, but because of his kind presence.

A man of deep faith, Herb was a long-time member of New Dover United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees through the years, including holding the positions of Head Usher, and President of the United Methodist Men.

Herb died at home, after a brief illness, on March 10, 2021, with his family gathered around. He will be missed for his gentlemanly presence, all of the practical advice he gave and for the love he showed everyday to his friends and family.

Herb was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Carsten Pedersen, his sisters, Gloria Vereb and Shirley Lotz. He is survived by his wife, Dianne of 58 years, his three daughters and their husbands, Lisa and David Chesney, Wendy and Lawrence Castlegrant and Robyn and Frank DeCicco, his grandchildren, Brian and Mackenze Chesney, Samantha (Chesney) and Zachary Nocciolo, Nicholas and Steven Castlegrant, and Matthew and Carolyn DeCicco.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Gosselin Funeral Home 660 New Dover Road, Edison NJ 08820. The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at New Dover United Methodist Church 687 New Dover Road, Edison NJ 08820.

Donations may be made in memory of Herb to the New Dover United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

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