Lennart Kjell Pettersson

Lennart Kjell Hilding Pettersson, 79, of Old Saybrook, went home to be with the Lord December 28, 2012 after a long illness. Son of the late Hilding and Edit Pettersson of Sweden, Lennart is survived by his beloved wife Marita Pettersson, daughter Jeanette Tilley and her husband William, son Jeffrey Pettersson and his wife Karen, daughter Janice Pettersson, grandson JonEric Pettersson and his wife Adrienne, grandson Nicolas Pettersson and his wife Natalie, and granddaughter Danielle Pettersson. He is pre-deceased by his siblings Erik, Ingrid, and Gösta. Born in Örebro, Sweden, Lennart graduated from ÖrebroTekniska Läroverk in 1954 with a degree in engineering. He immigrated to America with Marita that same year. Lennart worked as a mechanical engineer and manager in the plastics industry, holding two injection blow molding patents. He also earned an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven. After his retirement, Lennart worked in real estate.

He was a member of Gideon's International, distributing Bibles to hotels, hospitals, prisons, schools, and colleges. Sharing Scriptures with others gave him great joy. An active church member throughout his life, he served in many capacities, most recently as Senior Warden at Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Music and worship were a special part of Lennart's life. He enjoyed the outdoors with his family, boating, hiking, camping, and gardening. We rejoice that Lennart is now with his Lord. "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, [nor Alzheimer's,] nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38, 39 NKJV)

A memorial service celebrating Lennart's life will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St., Old Saybrook, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Gideon's International, New London Camp, PO Box 55, Old Mystic CT 06372; Grace Church Altar Guild, 366 Main St., Old Saybrook CT 06475; or the Alzheimer's Association Respite Fund, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill CT 06067.