Obituary of Gunnar G.F. Pedersen

Gunnar George Friis Pedersen Sr., 92, of Clifton Park, passed away at home Wednesday, May 28th 2014, after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gunnar was the son of the late Axel and Hilda Friis-Pedersen and grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated Alexander Hamilton High School in 1938. Gunnar enlisted in the New York National Guard in 1938 as an infantryman in the 106th Infantry Regiment and served in Australia and New Guinea during World War II as a military policeman in the 101st MP Battalion. After the war he was direct commissioned in the New York National Guard, serving a total of more than 42 years. As an officer, Gunnar commanded at all levels, including the 1st Battalion, 71st Infantry Regiment; Division Support Command, 42nd Infantry Division; and the 1st Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division. Gunnar retired as a Brigadier General on the New York State Retired List. His awards included the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, New York State Long and Faithful Service Medal with 40 year device, and the World War II Victory Medal. In civilian life, Gunnar was the head barman at the Longchamps Riverboat Restaurant in Manhattan from 1946 – 1977. In retirement, he became very active in the Shenendehowa Seniors, volunteering as a tax preparer for many years and serving as the President for eight years. An avid golfer for more than 30 years, he loved the game, his golf leagues, and even worked as the starter at the Barney Road course. Gunnar is survived by his loving wife of 66 joyful years, Marian, with whom he traveled the world. He was the proud father of Carl GF Pedersen of Fleetwood, PA; Gunnar GF Pedersen Jr. of Frederick, MD; Joan H. Pedersen-Lane of Clifton Park, NY; Chris AF Pedersen of Alexandria, VA; and Lt. Col. Steven Pedersen, U.S. Army, of Tampa, FL. He was also grandfather to Justin Lane; Gunnar III, Patricia (Lawrence), and Michael Pedersen; Carla Pedersen, and Kai Pedersen, and great grandfather to Maxwell Lawrence. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor in Clifton Park on Monday. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be scheduled in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.