NORWICH – Gilbert Pedersen, Sr., 92, of Norwich, NY, formally of Holbrook, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, April 6, 2007 surrounded by his family.
He was born February 8, 1915 in Brooklyn to Ragna and George Pedersen of Norway. In September of 1941 he married Helen (Diettrich), who survives. He is also survived by his children Gilbert Jr. and Michele Pedersen of Norwich, Arlene Scionti of Patchogue and Diane and Denny Schlafer of Norwich; grandchildren Daniel and Elizabeth Pedersen, Darren and Patricia Pedersen, Denise and Robert Matz, Melissa and Douglas Leonard, Michael Scionti, Jessica and Rob Solomon and Danielle Giordano; step-grandchildren Michael Schlafer, Melissa and Bruce Ousterhout, Melinda Horton and Pvt. Matthew Schlafer; 8 great-grandchildren Robert (III), James, Desire, Bryan Matz, Ryan, Alexa Pedersen, Lorelei Leonard and Makenzie Solomon; 4 step great-grandchildren, Cora Leigh, Alexis Schlafer, Shaylee Horton and Leah Ousterhout; his brother Clifford and Dorothy Pedersen and his sister Eleanor Romahn. Many nieces, nephews and close friends also survive.  He was predeceased by his mother and father, a granddaughter, Alicia Scionti, a sister Edith and her husband George Stonitch, a niece Debbie Stonitch, a special nephew George Stonitch Jr., and a brother-in-law Paul Romahn.  
 Gilbert commuted from Long Island to NYC and was employed for 44 years by the New York Daily News as a Benday Artist. He was also a volunteer exempt fireman and a former constable of Holbrook. Gilbert enjoyed deep sea fishing and puttering in his shop making and repairing things for the home. He also enjoyed entertaining family and friends with backyard BBQ’s and at “Our Bar,’ the bar he and Helen built in the basement of their home.
 At Gilbert’s request there will be no calling hours or public funeral service. A private family memorial service was held.
 The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.wilsonfh.com.