Leon Robert Petersen, 77, of Simsbury, beloved husband of Lydia (Richardson) Petersen, died Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. He was born May 28, 1942 in Bloomfield, son of the late John and Inga (Neilsen) Petersen and had been a lifelong resident of the Farmington Valley. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and had attended the University of Connecticut. Mr. Petersen was employed with Ensign Bickford in Simsbury and retired from Sonalyst in Waterford as a Contract Administrator after many years. He was active in local politics and served as a member on the East Lyme Board of Education. He enjoyed golf, sailing, playing chess and most of all spending time with his family.

In addition to his loving wife of 48 years, he is survived by his daughter, Lisa Beebe of Camden, ME; his son, Taz Petersen and wife Colleen of Groton; his brother, John H. Petersen and wife Joyce of Burlington; his sister, Rita Wenzel and husband Ray of Texas; his sister-in-law, Esther Petersen of Simsbury; five grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Paul Petersen.

His family will receive friends at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Thursday, December 26th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 27th at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Dyer Cemetery in Canton. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Please visit Leon’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.