Major Stanley Charles Pettersen, United States Air Force, Ret., of the Villages, Florida made his final flight on the morning of August 26, 2019. He passed peacefully following a series of medical issues during the past year. He was 82.
Stan was born on October 3, 1936, to Clifford and Adele Pettersen in Sayville, Long Island New York. He was pre-deceased by a Brother Clifford and Sister Lois. He is survived by his daughter Carol Anne Garrett, husband Brennen and grandsons Adler and Zane of Smithburg Maryland, his former wife Eileen Pettersen of Hagerstown, Maryland, and life long friends Jim and Colleen Traynor of Lady Lake, Florida. He also leaves many friends from his residence at Sumter Grand, the Villages, Florida.
His military service spanned twenty-four years. He first enlisted as an electronic specialist, then applied for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He completed Navigator Training, later to become a pilot. Stan flew several types of cargo aircraft, his favorite being the C-130 Hercules.
He served in many areas in the world including, Viet Nam, and received many military honors and decorations.
Following his military service, Stan obtained his CPA certificate and served as comptroller at Bank of Charles Town and Active Industries in West Virginia until he retired to the Villages. Stanley was an active golfer, card player and lover of life until his last breath.
Internment will be at the National Cemetery In Bushnell with full Military Honors at 1:00 pm on October 4, 2019. A celebration of life gathering will take place immediately following at Sumter Grand at 1490 Killingsworth Way, the Villages, Florida. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization at heroes.vfw.org or P.O. Box 8958, Topeka, KS 66608-8958.
