SALEM - Mr. Carl E. Petersen 83, of Salem, beloved husband of Joanne V. (Skurski) Petersen, passed away on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Winthrop, he was the son of the late Frank C. and Anne I. (Nuuttila) Petersen. He was raised and educated in Marblehead and was a graduate of Marblehead High School. Carl continued his education receiving his bachelor's degree from Salem State University Class of 1964 and completed his master's degree at Northeastern University, Class of 1966.

Mr. Petersen began his professional career in education teaching at Northeastern University for a short period of time before matriculating to Wentworth Institute of Technology where he was appointed assistant professor of social sciences and served the college for his entire career retiring after 44 years of dedication service. Carl was proud to be a part of educating future generations of students and generous with his time and knowledge.

Active in civic and social circles, Carl was a strong advocate for others. He served on many committee's and donated countless hours helping others. In 1973 he was involved with Crusade to Conquer Cancer, served as a member of the Salem School Committee for over 28 years and was elected Vice Chairman in 1973. He was a member of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and served on the Commonwealth of Mass. Advisory Committee in Boston for several years. A member of the Massachusetts Federation of Teachers AFT, AFL-CIO, he was also instrumental in establishing the North Shore Regional Vocational School District serving as Chairman in 1980 and at one time had been appointed Honorary State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Mass. by the Honorable Thaddeus Buczko.

Of all of Carl's accomplishments, being a loving husband, father, brother, and friend was what he cherished most. He was extremely proud of his family and was truly happiest when he was with them, especially spending time at their home in Maine or on the golf course with friends. Carl will be forever remembered for his love of family, his generosity to others and his dedication to education and his community. He will be deeply missed.

Surviving Carl in addition to his beloved wife Joanne with whom he shared 58 years of marriage are his sons, Matthew P. Petersen of Salem and John T. Petersen of Marlborough, his brothers, David Petersen and his wife Joan of Rowley and Alan Petersen and his wife Marie of Marblehead and several nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass which will be held at Ste. Anne's Church, Jefferson Ave., Salem on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at 11 A.M. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, prior to Mass from 9 to 10:30 A.M. Expression of sympathy may be made in Carl's memory to Prostate Cancer Research, C/O Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, C/O Mass. General Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.