Thomas J. Petersen

Thomas J. Petersen, Ph.D, was a dedicated father, a brilliant psychologist, a talented musician, a steadfast friend, a loving brother, and a lover of Christ Jesus. He experienced a spiritual rebirth in 2002.  He lived his life as a reflection of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and as such, he enriched the lives of everyone he met. 

Tom practiced as a psychologist for over 35 years in a private clinic and in the Lynn Public Schools. Outside of work, Tom loved spending time and sharing adventures with his daughters, Mia and Lisa. He was deeply committed to prison ministry and often accompanied prisoners, ex-prisoners and hospitalized persons. Tom had a deep love for music and played in a number of various bands including at the First Presbyterian Church Northshore, in the Distractions, the Loose Associations, Bottles & Cans, and Honky Tonk Heartache.In college and after, he played in a band called Nashville West. Tom was an active member of the Ipswich Presbyterian Church and a committed volunteer in many Christian organizations, including New Brothers Fellowship, Inc.

Tom was exceptionally kind. He is remembered for seeing and loving the essence of everyone he met. He was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of chord charts, 60s and 70s music, and Rorschach scoring, as well as for his unashamed innocence, his great capacity to feel and show joy and love, and his uncanny playfulness. Tom is missed by all his circles--his family, his colleagues from Lynn, his bandmates, his fellow volunteers, his church, his neighbors, as well as the many people he visited, drove to appointments, fed, and loved. He is survived by his daughters Lisa and Mia Petersen of Manchester By the Sea.  Sister Kristine Armstrong (Frank) of Maynard, MA, and Brothers Paul (Jane) Petersen of Winter Springs FL and Dan (Kathy) Petersen of Goodyear, AZ, and many nephews and nieces.

Tom died unexpectedly but peacefully in his home on June 2, 2024. His interment will be at 9 AM on June 8th at Pleasant Grove Cemetery  128 Pine Street in Manchester, followed by a service at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Ipswich  179 County Road.

In lieu of flowers please honor Tom by donating to New Brothers Fellowship at:

New Brothers Inc. P.O. Box 307, Haverhill, MA 01830

https://www.newbrothers.org/j3x/

ADVISEMENT:  Due to the town of Ipswich' commemoration of the 80th. anniversary of  DDay, with the parade and road closures it is advised that all who wish to attend the service at the First Presbyterian Church to come from the direction of Hamilton (Route 1A North)  or  from Essex  (Route 133 West).

Assisting Tom’s family is the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich.  To send a letter of condolence to the Petersen family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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