Thomas Benjamin Pedersen

Tom was born in Jacksonville, Florida to John R. Pedersen, Sr. and Mary Ailene Schooler Pedersen on April 3, 1947. He graduated from Lisbon High School in Lisbon, Maine. On June 28, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Bernier in Lisbon. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a Master's in Education degree. He taught Physical Education and Math in Richmond as well as Sabattus, Maine 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 and Donut Shop in Auburn, Maine.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving three tours of duty in Vietnam. Tom was a proud Navy veteran. He 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 in Auburn, Maine. He was also a past Treasurer and Commander of the Kennebec River Power and Sail Squadron and loved being on the water. He enjoyed the many cruises and friends he made. If you ever needed a hand, he was always there to help. Tom was also a long time 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 and brother-in-law, Stephen Herling.

He is survived by his spouse, Barbara Pedersen; children, Benjamin (Jennifer) Pedersen and Denise Strait and partner Ryan Galarneau; siblings, Diane (Herb) Bondurant, John (Mildred) Pedersen and David (Sandra) 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 many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11 am at Crosman Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Lisbon Falls, ME. Committal prayers will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Lisbon, ME.

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

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

Please visit www.CrosmanFuneralHome.com to sign Thomas' obituary and leave memories and condolences for the family.