Farmington Obituary: Donald Petersen, 85

Donald “Pete” Petersen, 85, of Unionville, passed away on March 1st, 2018. Born in New Haven, the adopted son of Nicolay and Gertrude Christensen Petersen, he was an E1 electrician working for various electrical contracting companies and providing his services to many friends and family over his career.

Donald was a wonderful grandfather to his two grandchildren Dan and Sara. He was always armed with snacks for them when they got off the bus whether they wanted it or not. He adored them and they loved him as he was. He was lovingly called “Beepa” by Dan and Sara as they could not pronounce grandfather when they started to talk and overtime other family members also referred to him as “Beepa”.

For those that knew him, you knew him as the man with nine lives. He was a force to deal with, tough on the outside and soft on the inside. He loved to read and his daily routine included a trip to the Mobil station where Richie would bring the paper out to him when it became difficult for him to get in and out of his truck.

While he was at Avon Health, Terry became his newspaper delivery gal and Andy would visit with magazines for his viewing pleasure. He enjoyed driving around town in his truck with his unlit cigar hanging from mouth and his partner in crime, Buddy in the passenger seat. When the truck needed work, Jack became his personal auto repair professional.

He was truly blessed with wonderful people in his life including Henry, who had a hangout spot fondly referred to as the “shed” for him and many others to congregate.

He is survived by his son Glenn Petersen and wife Diane; daughters Donna and Tracy Petersen, his grandchildren Daniel and Sara Petersen and Dan’s fiancée Sarah Rodolico. He leaves his sister Jeanette St. Peter who always checked in on him, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Nicolay Petersen; his mother, Gertrude Christensen Petersen; sisters, Gertude “Trudy” Tyrol and Lillian Sperry and his brother Harry Petersen.

Services and burial will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by Ahern Funeral Home Inc. To send online condolences to the family please visit ahernfuneralhome.com.