Charles H. Petersen Jr.

Charles H. Petersen Jr., 58, of East Quogue passed away with his family at his side. Charlie went to be with the Lord on Aug. 9, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Charlie was born July 11, 1957, to Charles H. Petersen Sr. and Frances Petersen. He lived every day of his life to the fullest and treated each day as a gift from God. He was a 1975 graduate of Riverhead High School and continued on to receive an associate’s degree from Suffolk County Community College.

Charlie loved his family and friends, fishing, watching the sun rise and set, riding on the beach and sitting by the water. Throughout his life, he had many adventures as an oysterman, City of Wauchula employee and, most recently, grounds foreman of Bideawee Pet Cemetery, during his retirement.

Charlie was a man of faith and loved his Eastport Bible Church family. He was very involved in the church as an usher, greeter and Sunday School teacher, the prayer ministry, two mens’ Bible studies, mens’ retreats and evangelism. He also led an epilepsy support group in Riverhead for several years.

Charlie was a devoted father and husband. He is survived by his wife; Toni Marino Petersen; his daughters, Angela Petersen and Christina Salas; and his son-in-law, Rocky Salas. He also left behind his stepchildren, Roy Ferry and Bethany and Christopher Hallman; and his step-grandson, Christopher (CJ) Hallman. Charlie is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Tina and Ted Barwick; and his niece, Carisa Barwick.

A wake will be held Friday, Aug. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Follet & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Eastport Bible Church. After the service, the life of this loving, humorous and inspirational man will be celebrated with a barbecue/luncheon as per his wishes.

Please consider a memorial donation to the Epilepsy Foundation or Eastport Bible Church.

This is a paid notice.