Donald B. Pettersen

Don B. Pettersen of Stoneham passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, January 26, 2022. He was 83 years of age.

Born on Friday, January 20, 1939 in East Boston, Don was the loving son of the late Harald Pettersen and Ethel (Swenson) Pettersen. Don was a gentle, kind and warm son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.

Don enlisted in the United States Navy on January 17,1957 and was honorably discharged on December 9,1959. Don went on to work at John Hancock in Boston, where he met his devoted wife of 54 years, Colletta (Talbron.)

Don was dedicated to the Masons, Shriners and to Boy Scout Troop 513 in Stoneham. Don joined Freemasonry in1968. He was an active member of Troop 513 in the 80's and early 90's attending boy scout camporees and jamborees. Don became a Woodbager of NE1-148. Don was Past Master of Hyde Park Elliott Lodge (Celestial Lodge) 1973 and 1980 and Hiram Masonic Lodge 1993 and 2001. He was District Deputy Grand Secretary in the Hyde Park District to Raynard Braverman 1981to1983.

Don joined the Shriners June 10,1977. He was appointed by Gus Means as a Potentate Aide in 1983. Don was Deputy Chief Aide in 1991 and 1992 to Eugene Capobianco and Kenneth Gott. Personal Aide in 2000, 2001 and 2007 to Warren Richardson, Al Moore and Alfred Flight. Assistant Chief Aide to Bob Greene and Chief Aide to Bob Levinson. He was the Eminent Commander of Boston Commandery No#2 in 1993. He volunteered for the Shriners Circus and Rodeos for years, in addition to holding positions in the some of the Shrine Clubs.

Don received his 50 year Masonic Veterans Medal from Mystic Valley. He was also a member of Major General Henry Knox Lodge for Military Veterans. He was an active Member of the York Rite Masonry. Don joined St Pauls Royal Arch Chapter in 1992 and was High Priest in 2009 and Boston Council of Royal and Select Master Masons in 1993.

He served as Senior Deacon at the Hyde Park and Malden Congregationalist churches and as a Deacon at Stoneham Congregationalist church.

Don loved nature. He enjoyed traveling, seeing the ocean and the mountains. As child and young adult, he spent summers at his family's summer home in Annisquam. Don loved listening to music of all genres and went to many live shows including seeing Bob Dylan at a small venue in Boston in the 60's. Always interested in a good story, he was an avid reader of westerns, mysteries and historical novels. Don loved to watch the Patriots games with his wife, daughter and friends. Grand Dad to his cats Phoenix, Abigail and Chanel who adored him. Don was known by all as caring and helpful, and he had a wonderful sense of humor. Loved by all who knew him.

Don was the beloved husband of Colletta (Talbron) Pettersen. He was the devoted father of Leslie Pettersen and Erik Pettersen, the dear brother of Stephen Pettersen and his wife Marie, the late Ernie Pettersen and his late wife Sandra. Don is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services are private at this time. A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at a later date.

Please consider making donations in Don's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome