Peter A. Thomsen

1941 - 2021

Peter Aage Thomsen, of Newington, was surrounded by family when he died Oct. 16, 2021, following a months-long battle with cancer. He was 80. Born Aug. 29, 1941, Peter was the eldest son of Aage Ferdinand Thomsen and Louise Baldwin Thomsen. The Hartford native moved to Avon after his father built their family home. While attending Canton High School, he performed in "Diary of Anne Frank, a Young Girl." Katharine Hepburn – in the audience to support her niece and nephew, Pete's classmates – afterward told him, "Damn good performance, Mr. Thomsen." Pete graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University and continued his studies at Utah State University, where he met his wife of 53 years, Cheryl Hitt. They lived in Hartford and West Hartford before buying a house, in Newington. He taught industrial arts in Ellington and Canton before joining Thomsen Overhead Door Co. Pete later worked as a manufacturer's representative. He obtained his CDL to drive big rigs, earning the handle, "The Professor." He joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons and was involved in the First Company Governor's Foot Guard with his father. Known among peers for his unique brand of humor and dry wit, puns and word plays, Pete was active in the West Hartford United Methodist Church, serving as its lay leader. He later attended Newington United Methodist Church. He donated blood regularly, coached girls' soccer teams and, like his father, was a Rotarian. Pete loved boating, locomotion, history, reading, carpentry, home improvements, crossword puzzles, Celtics' Larry Bird, UConn women's basketball, dogs and coffee. Surviving Peter are his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Kimberley T. Edgar (Randal); sons, Greg Thomsen and Matt Thomsen; granddaughters, Sarah Edgar, Anna Edgar and Allana Thomsen; and his youngest brother, Gary Thomsen (Donna). Peter also leaves behind several uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Mark Thomsen (Terry) predeceased him. Calling hours are from 1-3 p.m., November 13, followed by a memorial service at Newington United Methodist Church, 401 New Britain Ave., Newington.