Shrewsbury – Reidar “Ray” Pedersen, 94, of Shrewsbury, was born in Oslo, Norway on January 21, 1928 and passed peacefully on June 28, 2022. His parents, Georg and Borghild Pedersen are predeceased, as are his three brothers, Corra Pedersen, Rolf Pedersen and Egil Pedersen.
Rei had a talent for engines and worked as an ace mechanic in Norway. During World War II, he served in the Norwegian Military. At age 21, he signed on as a crewmember in the engine department with Norwegian America Line cruise ships. He sailed on the MS Oslofjord and MS Sagafjord on international cruises, finally signing off in the port of New York City, NY in 1953, having secured his uncle (the late Arnold Christensen of Marlboro, MA) as his sponsor.
Rei met and married Josephine “Jo” (Salzarulo) in 1954 and had four children. His surviving children are Roy R. Pedersen of Shrewsbury, Nancy E. Pedersen of Tampa, FL, and Roger and Sandra (Simone) Pedersen of Shrewsbury; a son, Roy G. Pedersen died at age of 1 month. Jo passed in 1983.
In addition to his surviving children, Grandpa Rei leaves Christie-Jo, AJ, Sara, Katherine and Joe, along with great grandchildren Nathan, Olivia, Charlee, Lily and 1 more great-granddaughter on the way, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Norway.
He was a dedicated and lifelong member of the Scandinavian Athletic Club “SAC Park” in Shrewsbury, initially playing soccer on the club teams and, after marrying, becoming the caretaker of the property. He is a past officer, serving tirelessly for the last seven decades. In April 2017, he was honored with a Proclamation from the Town of Shrewsbury and the SAC Park soccer field was dedicated and renamed the Reidar Pedersen Field. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway organization.
He was the manager of Christie & Thompson Auto Parts in Worcester and retired after nearly 40 years. He then went to work at Consumer Auto Parts “CAP” and retired from there on his 90th birthday.
His 2nd wife, Nancy (Gardell) predeceased him in 2012. He also leaves seven stepchildren, Richard, Stephen, Pauline, Kathleen, Geoffrey, Timothy, and John; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him very much. He was predeceased by a step daughter, Christine, and by a step grandchildren.
Rei’s Viking spirit will live on!
There are no Calling hours. Burial will be held privately by the family.
The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted.
