John Charles Petersen, age 73, of Old Lyme, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones, after fiercely battling cancer.
John was born and raised in Connecticut, where he lived throughout his life. In 2020, John retired from the State of CT Judicial Branch, after a career in mental health services that spanned more than 50 years. John loved to travel, taking adventures around the world, and making friends along the way. In the last decade of his life, he drove from Connecticut to Alaska, rode horses through African plains, traveled across China, and ice-trekked through Antarctica; he experienced it all and cherished every minute on the road. John’s other loves included music (singing, playing, & listening), ballet, sports (go Red Sox!), and horseback riding.
John is survived by children Judy, Becky, and Chris, brother Jim, sister Sandy, grandchildren Kristen, Kimberly, Eva, Vivian, John, and Jake, and nephew Dylan.
John was predeceased by his parents, Aida and Iver, and sister Barbara (Beane).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a gathering of family and friends to celebrate John’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to East Coast Contemporary Ballet (https://eccballet.org) and/or Connecticut Ballet (https://www.connecticutballet.org).
