1949 – 2023
Quinebaug – Robert R. Pederson, 73, of George Ave, died Tuesday morning, February 21, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Mary Lou (Colburn) Pederson. Born in Jamestown, NY, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Gloria (Swanson) Pederson.
Mr. Pederson graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School class of 1967 and was a United States Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War being honorably discharged on November 10, 1970, at Ft. Lewis in Washington with the rank of Sergeant.
Mr. Pederson went on to work for 25 years as a Business Manager for the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Service. He also served on the Recreation Committee for the Town of Thompson. He enjoyed playing golf, poker, cribbage, going to the Mohegan Sun, watching the boys and girls UCONN Basketball teams as well as the Connecticut Sun basketball teams and Patriots football team. He enjoyed family cookouts, singing with family and catching a country concert when his favorites were around town. In his younger years he along with his brothers enjoyed playing High School basketball. But, above all Robert cherished the quality time that he was able to spend with his family and friends after retirement.
Robert was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Dudley where he was a Deacon and sang in the choir.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Pederson of Quinebaug; his children, Matthew T. Pederson and his wife Jasmin of Dudley, MA, Michael R. Pederson of N. Grosvenordale, and Pamela M. Arnett and her husband Karl of Dudley, MA; his siblings, Gregory A. Pederson and his wife Pam of Beacon Falls and their daughter Rachel G. Saunders and husband Phil Saunders of Southbury and Roselyn “Roz” Eggleston of Jamestown, NY; and his cherished grandchildren, Connor M. Pederson, Ava R. Pederson, Kiera A. Pederson, and Aiden S. Arnett, and great niece and nephew Gloria and Gabriel Saunders. He was predeceased by his brother, William E. Pederson.
The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors that he referred to as “Angels” that cared for him throughout his battle.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11:00a.m. in the First Congregational Church of Dudley, 135 Center Road, Dudley MA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Dudley, 135 Center Rd., Dudley, MA 01571. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Andrea Jenkins
So many memories I had the honor to share with the Pederson clan ,Bob enjoyed going to my sons basketball games while he played at Suffolk University . Maybe they have both found each other again on this new journey . I love all of you so much , be at peace
Michael Bellisario
I always called him Budda! Played many many games of b-ball with Budda and his brothers. One of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Glad that you have found peace my friend.
James Hamm
Tiny was a special person. We served together in Vietnam and reconnected at our reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed.
Valerie Niosi
Bye Buda, I was glad to know you. Rest in peace.
Judy & Gary Courtemanche
It is so hard to come up with words for such a loss. We will all miss him and are glad he isn’t suffering now. Maybe he’s already playing golf with Bill in Heaven. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Colburn
So sorry to all of you. He was a wonderful man His pain is gone and he’s with family in heaven too❤️
Jim Siekierski
My deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. He will always remain in my thoughts and just a great person to call a friend.
Julie StFrancis
Bob was such a kind man… always welcoming me with conversation when I would attend church whether it was one week or one year since I saw him last. He was genuine and will be missed.
Lorraine Gregoire
My sincere condolences to the family. Bob was kind, thoughtful and loving to everyone he met.
He will be missed by so many of us.
Al Messier
I have many memories of playing basketball with the Pederson brothers and so tragic to lose 2 dear mates in this short period of time.
My deepest of condolences to the entire family.
Joe Rocha
I served with Tiny in Vietnam 69-70 and proud to have served with such a kind ,humble and Christian person. You will be missed.. Praying for the family.
Michael Ravenelle
When I was vey young Butch and his brothers Bill and Greg lived next door to me. They always allowed me to play basketball with them and helped me learn the game. They were great guys and I will always remember their friendship. R.I.P. Butch.
Laura-Lee Carey
Bob, you were such a big part of our church family.
I think you were one of the most Christian people I knew. Your hugs went right to my soul and I will always
love you . May you rest in Peace.
Tracy Felicetti-Brown
Bob was truly a light in this world. I too knew him from church but would also run into him on occasion at the market, he always greeted me with a hug and a kind word. His faith was evident in almost every conversation we had. Thinking of his family and friends during these difficult days ahead and holding you all close in my prayers.
Scott Donovan
To the Pederson family and really everyone, I am so sorry for your loss. I was blessed to know Bob and serve as a Deacon with him. I looked forward to every Sunday, and a chance to speak with him, and get one of his hugs. He is one of the most amazing and loving people I have ever known.
Linda Gamache
I worked with Bob at DDS for many years.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Tom koepke
Bob and I were good friends because he was a great person. His kindness was extra comforting.
Will miss our dinners and casino adventures. My heartfelt condolences to his family.