Charles H. Petersen Jr. of East Quogue died on August 9 from cancer. He was 58.
Born on July 11, 1957, to Charles H. Petersen Sr. and Frances Petersen, he was a 1975 graduate of Riverhead High School and earned an associate’s degree from Suffolk Community College.
Survivors said he loved his family and friends, fishing, watching the sun rise and set, riding on the beach and simply sitting by the water. He had worked as an oysterman, for the City of Wauchula in Florida and, most recently, as the grounds foreman at Bideawee’s pet cemetery, from which he retired. He was an active member of the Eastport Bible Church, where he filled many roles, including usher, greeter, Sunday school teacher, prayer minister, and Bible study and retreat leader. He also led an epilepsy support group in Riverhead for many years.
Mr. Petersen is survived by his wife, Toni Marino Petersen; daughters, Angela Petersen and Christina Salas and husband Rocky; stepchildren, Roy Ferry, Bethany and Christopher Hallman; step-grandson, Christopher “CJ” Hallman; a sister, Tina Barwick and husband Ted; and a niece, Carisa Barwick.
A wake will be held on Friday, August 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at the Eastport Bible Church, followed by a gathering at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, www.epilepsy.com; or the Eastport Bible Church, 386 Montauk Highway, Eastport NY 11941.
on Aug 18, 2015