John Mathias Pedersen 6/3/26 – 11/19/19
Surrounded by the love of his family, John Pedersen passed away peacefully on 11/19/19. His ready smile and laughter will be sorely missed by his family, and friends.
Born in Brooklyn, John grew up and attended McKee High School on Staten Island. He heeded the call from his country and served in the U.S. Navy working in the radio room, deciphering Morse Code on the USS Clarke. He married Ruth Andersen in 1949 and they were able to share 62 years together until her death in January 2011. John and Ruth dedicated their lives to creating a loving and nurturing environment for their 5 children.
He worked as the General Manager for the Staten Island Plate Glass Company until his retirement in 1989. He was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce on several occasions for his design of commercial buildings. The pinnacle of his career was working with the architects from France on the design and structure of the glass enclosed stairwell inside the Statue of Liberty for the BiCentennial.
He is survived by his daughters Lynn O’Leary, Gail Paradore, Joan Haynsworth and her husband Bill. Also his son Mark Pedersen, wife Robin, and Neal Pedersen, wife Jacquie. Additionally he has 10 grandchildren; Jeff, Scott and Craig Dierking, John and Matthew Paradore, Thomas Haynsworth, Bethany and Jordan Pedersen, Aeme Clayton and Andrew Pedersen. He also was blessed with 8 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home 2482 Church Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753 on Friday November 22 from 4:00 – 7:30, and Saturday November 23, service at 10:30 followed by internment at Ocean County Memorial Park.