NEWPORT – Roland N. Petersen, 83, died Jan. 31, 2012, at a Pittsfield hospital. He was born Nov. 19, 1928, in Wilmington, Mass., a son of Peter and Hazel (Jensen) Petersen.
Roland moved to Newport with his family at a young age, after his father purchased the local blacksmith shop. His family was very proud of their Danish heritage. Roland graduated from Newport High School, class of 1946, and served a tour of duty in the Army of Occupation in Germany. He married the former Alma Pratt, Sept. 3, 1951. He was a pasteurizer at Hood’s Dairy for more than 30 years. He was a 50-plus year member of Meridian Splendor Masonic Lodge, Nokomis Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, and attended Newport United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Anah Shrine and Newport Historical Society. He was a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader in Newport for many years. Roland was a longtime vice president of Sebasticook Valley Snowmobile Club. He and Alma enjoyed traveling extensively, having been to all 50 states, Canadian provinces and numerous other countries.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alma Petersen of Newport; two sons, Chris Petersen and Cheryl Thies of Pittsfield, and Keith and wife, Lisa Petersen, of East Newport; and eight grandchildren, Meagan and husband, Andy Masella, Katie, Rozlyn, Jade, Patrick and his wife, Amanda Petersen, Cody, Morgan and Brady Thies; two great-grandchildren, Cadence Hamilton-McGrady and Jaidon Petersen; two nephews, Mike and wife, Donna Cray, and Dean and wife, Darlene Cray; and many cousins. Roland was predeceased by his sister, Sylvia and husband, George Cray.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at People’s United Methodist Church, 131 Main St., Newport, with the Rev. Ellen Bridge officiating. Spring burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Newport. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to People’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 182, Newport, ME 04953. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. Those who wish may leave written condolences at
www.CrosbyNeal.com.