Thomas M Pedersen

Thomas Martin Pedersen, age 74, of Oakdale, passed away on December 24, 2023. He was born in Norwich, CT on April 10, 1949, to Margaret and Tobias Pedersen. Tom attended Norwich Free Academy before joining the United States Marine Corps to serve his country during the Vietnam war. Upon returning home he joined the Norwich Police Department where he served his community for 25 years working his way up through the ranks to Captain. He commanded the Training, Investigative, and Patrol divisions and was the SWAT team commander and Defensive Tactics Instructor. Tom served another 18 years in law enforcement with the Division of Criminal Justice working as a Police Inspector for the State Attorney’s office in New London before retiring due to his declining health.

In conjunction with Tom’s many years of dedicated service as a police officer, he did great service to our community outside of the police force. He spent many years volunteering his time as a self-defense instructor for the Norwich Adult Education Program and other organizations throughout the area. He mentored many who were trying to enter the law enforcement field, as well as those trying to advance in it.

Tom was well known for his sharp wit and keen sense of humor. He was generous to a fault and would go out of his way to help others. He was an avid reader and history buff. He enjoyed boxing, Martial Arts, especially Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and weight training. Tom loved teaching Judo and self-defense to anyone who was interested in learning. Nothing was more important to him however than his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mindy; his four children Brian, Shelley, Brandon, and Brianna; and three grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, and William. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Linda and Diane and his brother David.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10:00am at the Church and Allen Funeral Home located at 136 Sachem Street in Norwich, followed by a cemetery service at the Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery located at 1361 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield. Friends and family are invited back to the Pedersen residence following the cemetery service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tom’s memory to the USO or American Cancer Society.