Thursday ObitsCoyote |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1120 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Thursday Obits https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=eternal%20patrol%20by%20ussvi The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted. I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate. PETERSEN .. .. .. Grant Petersen, a cherished member of the Cherryfield community, passed away on Oct. 30, 2024, in Hartford, Conn., after a long illness. Born on Oct. 20, 1958, in Hartford, Grant lived a life full of dedication and love, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him. The son of H. Patricia Grant Petersen Newenham and Richard Curth Petersen, Grant spent his formative years in Cherryfield, Maine, attending local schools and graduating from Narraguagus High School in Harrington, Maine, where he excelled in varsity cross-country, pole vaulting, and basketball. Following high school, Grant embarked on a notable career with the U.S. Navy Submarine Division on the USS Benjamin Franklin as a sonar technician, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to service and excellence. A proud professional machinist, Grant was honored to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Martin Petersen, a path that significantly influenced his professional life. Residing in Vernon, Conn., at the time of his passing, he was well regarded for his remarkable skills and his reputation as a “master of all trades.” Known as a “walking encyclopedia,” Grant’s vast knowledge and wisdom enriched the lives of those around him, complementing his talent for music and cooking, which often served as a bridge to connect his family and friends through shared joy and laughter. Grant’s life was a testament to his steadfast faith and devotion to the First Baptist Church in Cherryfield, where he formed meaningful relationships and actively contributed to the community he cherished. His legacy of kindness and generosity lives on through his children, Erik Petersen of Pensacola, Fla., and Adara Petersen of Burlington, Wash.; his sisters, Cynthia Curtis Reichert of Ellsworth, Maine, and Fatima Petersen of Baltimore, Md., numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and his grandchild, Azariah Petersen. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Fredda and Stanley Grant, and Beatrice and Martin Petersen, his parents, Patricia Newenham and Richard Petersen, and his beloved cousin, Richard Treat. HARTUNG .. .. .. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Harold Hartung, who left us peacefully on November 7, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on December 16, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Ken was the son of Edward Joseph Hartung and Virginia Belle (Overton) Hartung. Ken joined the U.S. Navy in 1961 and proudly served over 20 years in the Silent Service aboard submarines. His military service was marked by unwavering dedication and a strong sense of pride in serving his country. After retiring from the Navy, Ken remained active in his community, volunteering with the South Kitsap Eastern Little League (SKELL), Peninsula Hawaii Club and attending USS Sargo reunions. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, and much to the delight of his family and friends, was passionate about music, attending drag racing (NHRA) events, and winning at the slots. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Audrey Ululani (Cho) Hartung, and will be deeply missed by his sister, Susan (Hartung) Kotrba, four children: Jeanette Maile (Mike) Neiner, Virginia L.K. Hartung, Vicki R. I. (Keith) Nix, and Kenneth Scott (Jessica) Hartung. He was a loving grandfather to Michael, Matthew, Mitchell, Makenna, Susan, Cavan, Kenman, Mason, and Haydon, and a proud great-grandfather to Mikaela, Makai, and Wyatt. Ken's vibrant spirit, witty humor, storytelling, and love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering to be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at his home. It is with heartfelt sadness and love that we share with you the passing of Clifford Ray Smith (74 years) to his eternal home in Heaven on November 17, 2024 . Clifford was born on December 21, 1949 to Harold and Nancy Smith in Nashville, TN and grew up in Lubbock TX. He graduated from John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, received his Bachelors in Business Administration and an MBA, both at UALR. He also earned his CPA. He served in the U. S. Navy for seven years, which included service on the USS Bancroft submarine where he was a Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator-Reactor Control. After discharge he worked for 30 years for the City of Little Rock as Internal Auditor. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nancy Smith and his sister, Cheryl. He is survived by his loving wife Judy, son Clayton Smith (Stephanie), step-son Paul Rankin (Lisa), step-daughter Kelly Williams (Jeremy), sisters Sharon Steidle (Ken) and Melinda Wood, and grandchildren Eliza Smith, Kennedy Rankin, and June, Solomon and Thatcher Williams, numerous nieces and nephews, and his very best friend and brother, Todd Mead. Nobody could ever deny that Cliff was a deeply loved man. He was a son, husband, father, grandfather and friend who embodied characteristics as seen in any heartfelt holiday movie. With never an objection, he spent most of his vacation days taking aging parents, Harold and Nancy and sister, Cheryl, to various appointments, and took his father to out of state Marine Corp activities. When his parents died, he assumed responsibility for overseeing all aspects of Cheryl’s final years at an independent living facility. You can see from these few examples what a devoted family-oriented man he was. On more fun endeavors, he delighted in going to important events in the lives of his grandchildren. A few years after retirement, he and Judy approached a huge life transformation when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer, which he handled with grace and courage. There was never a word of anger or complaint, but just a strong desire to “get on with this” and do whatever was needed to give him more time to spend with his wife whom he adored, and his family. With wonderful healthcare and perseverance he was able to stretch the one to six weeks that was predicted to six years of life. He and Judy were able to start working on his bucket list in between his treatments. They were able to make much loved camping trips with friends and visit many National Parks. It seems like he was living for his last lovingly-planned vacation as he began a sharp decline a few weeks after their return. On his last day he wanted Judy by his side and as he released his hold on life he passed with her arms around him. A MESSAGE FROM CLAYTON: Over the weekend we had to say goodbye to my dad, Clifford Smith. Six years ago he was given weeks to live, and for six years he kicked cancer’s ass and traveled, played, sang, savored, loved, and lived with vigor. When I was a baby, he served on the USS George Bancroft. As a kid, he loved to respond to my submarine questions by alleging the information was top secret, even though it was readily available in Tom Clancy books. He was invited to apply to NASA, but after years under the sea he’d had enough time away from home. He could build, take apart, rebuild, and fix anything. I had no experience with contractors, repairmen, or mechanics until adulthood. He taught himself computer programming in the early years. I held a grudge after he convinced 10 year old me to use my many months of saved allowance on a Vic 20 computer instead of Jetfire (the coolest Transformer ever). He later fixed Jetfire’s arm after my cousin broke it off. His friends rightly joked about him being an adult Boy Scout. He gave me the strong moral compass that I have tried to instill in my daughter. Do it right the first time even if it’s difficult or inconvenient. Knowing the right thing is easy, but doing the right thing is the measure of your character. But I still sometimes say “can I” instead of “may I” and I often don’t turn off the light when I leave the room. He was a good man. He was dearly loved. He will be greatly missed. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace ALTMAN .. .. .. Dean A. Altman, 82, of Tionesta, formerly of Gilpin Township, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. A son of the late James Frank Altman and Esther Jane (Carney) Altman, he was born June 22, 1942, in Natrona Heights, PA. Dean was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as an EN3 with the submarine service during the Vietnam War. For 30 years, he worked as a furnace operator's helper for the West Leechburg Works of Allegheny Ludlum Steel before retiring in 2005. He was a member of the U.S.W.A. in Leechburg. Dean enjoyed spending time with his grandson, hunting, fishing and gardening. Survivors include his son, Eric L. Altman (Debra) of Tionesta; grandson, Malachi Altman; brothers, Donald J. Altman (Terri) of Gilpin Township, Mark V. Altman of Gilpin Township; sisters, Darlene Rose Long (Daniel) of Gilpin Township, Bonnie Thomas (Orville) of Gilpin Township, Sallie Altman of Kittanning Township. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Barbara A. (Smith) Altman, in 2023. Arrangements are private and have been entrusted to the CLAWSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CENTER, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051. Condolences to the Altman family may be offered at www.clawsonfuneralhome.com. | ||
