Obituary of David C. Pedersen

David Carlton Pedersen, age 71, of West Haven, CT passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12th with his wife Deborah by his side. Born in Bridgeport, CT and raised in Milford, CT he was a son of the late Olaf (Pete) and Helen Pedersen.

Dave graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1972. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Western Connecticut State University and Masters of Teaching from Sacred Heart University. An elementary music teacher, he spent his career encouraging the love of music in children in the Stamford and West Haven Public School Systems. He was beloved by his colleagues and never without his guitar and a smile.

A lifelong musician and entertainer, Dave started his music career at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Milford, CT, singing in the children's choir. He was known for his beautiful voice, bass and acoustic guitar skills, and love of teaching music. He played in bands around the tristate area and performed as an acoustic solo and bass guitar act. Known as Debbie's "music man" and "Funkasaurus" by bandmates, he loved sharing his gift of song and appreciated all genres of music, especially classic rock.

Dave will be remembered as an incredible husband, loving father, and a man of faith. His trust in Christ was unwavering, and after battling kidney and heart disease, his family knows he is finally at peace in the arms of the Lord. He was a history and Beatles buff, loved reading and spending time with family, a good glass of scotch, and his Martin guitar.

Dave is survived by the love of his life, Deborah (Tanski) Pedersen, whom he shared 42 years; his children Ashley (Brian) Browning and William Pedersen, who adored him, and his pride and joys, his grandchildren Caleb and Cameron Browning and Rowan and Meadow Pedersen. He is also survived his mother-in-law, Rachel Tanski, and extended family and friends who will miss him deeply. He is predeceased by his parents, Olaf Birchard and Helen (Dewey) Pedersen, and sisters Nancy Nuzzo and Janet Pedersen.

Calling hours will be Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages all to give the gift of life by donating blood. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.