Thomas Benjamin Pedersen

Tom was born in Jacksonville, FL to John R. Pedersen Sr. and Mary Ailene Schooler Pedersen on April 3, 1947. He graduated from Lisbon High School in Lisbon, ME. On June 28, 1969 he married Barbara Bernier in Lisbon, ME. He graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a master’s in Education. He taught Physical Education and Math in Richmond, ME and then went to Sabattus, ME where he started a gymnastics program and coached basketball. He also coached football at the high school. Although a strict teacher, he was highly thought of by his students as making a difference in their lives. He went on to own Georgio's Pizza & Donut Shop in Auburn, ME.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. Tom was a proud Navy Veteran and served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid. He received the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Campaign Stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was an E-4 in charge of his catapult crew and was also a Marine Patrol Officer when his ship was in dry dock.

Tom was a member and past treasurer at the United Methodist Church of Auburn, ME. He was also a past treasurer and commander of the Kennebec River Power and Sail Squadron as well as a member of the American Legion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ailene Pedersen; and parents-in-law, Albert and Marion Bernier.

He is survived by his spouse, Barbara Bernier Pedersen; children, Benjamin (Jennifer) Pedersen and Denise Montgomery; siblings, Diane (Herb) Bondurant, John (Mildred) Pedersen, and David (Sandy) Pedersen; grandchildren, Kayleigh and Payten Pedersen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who considered him their brother, Elaine (Andrew) Licciardi, Kathy (John) Cordts, and Joni Herling; as well as cousins.

A funeral will be announced at a later date in Lisbon, ME.

The family of Tom Pedersen wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Marilyn Wahe at the Naples, FL VA, Dr. Richard Hanson at the Maine VA, and all the wonderful caring people at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Avow Hospice in Naples, FL.