Obituary of Harris Pedersen

Harris Pedersen, 81, died at his residence in Rockaway Township on Saturday August 5, 2006. Mr. Pedersen was born in Brooklyn, NY and was a resident of the Lake Telemark section of Rockaway Township since he was 5 years old living in the third year-round home there. He served during World War II in the United States Navy on the destroyer USS Hale under gunnery officer Cyrus Vance, former Secretary of State to President Jimmy Carter. His ship helped protect the Queen Mary, which held the meeting between Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt during World War II. He enjoyed sharing his Navy experiences with his grandsons. Mr. Pedersen had a varied career in building, including roofing and carpentry, ending with general contracting and owning his own Real Estate company, Pedersen Realty from which he retired. During his retirement he enjoyed handyman work to keep himself busy. He was an avid fisherman and caught several trophy fish. He was also a skilled wood craftsman. He was member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Sexton at the church for many years and a member of the Marcella Community Club, and a Trustee of the Marcella Cemetery Association. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Gerd Jensen, his daughter Joy S. Pedersen of Wayne, his son Gary Pedersen and his wife Maria of Rockaway Township, his grandchildren Eric, Kurt, and Sonja, his sister Alice Beaudin of Rockaway Township. He was blessed with countless friends and enjoyed his daily coffee with his friends at the diner. A memorial service will be held on Sunday August 13th at 1:00 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Green Pond Rd., Rockaway Township, and NJ. In lieu of flowers donations to the Holy Trinity Church or Noah's Ark Animal Shelter would be appreciated. Funeral Arrangements handled thru the Norman Dean Home for Services Denville, NJ www.normandean.com.