It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christian George Pedersen Jr., 86, of Fords, NJ, who entered eternal rest on December 21, 2023.

He was born on June 15, 1937, in Perth Amboy, NJ to the late Christian G. S. Pedersen and Alice (n. Lease) Pedersen. After two years, he moved to Fords, NJ where he resided for the past 83 years. He enjoyed a happy childhood, at a time when horse riding and playing out of doors with his sister, many cousins, and neighborhood friends was the norm.

Chris's first love was music. He began playing clarinet at the age of five, and he had his first paying job when he was 13. Chris worked hard, and mastered the clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piccolo.

Chris earned his Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music and became a NJ certified music teacher and taught at Cedarcroft Middle School, South Plainfield, John Adams Middle School, Edison, and JP Stevens High School, Edison; at each of these schools, he formed lifelong friendships and mentorships with those he taught.

Chris was a strong union man, and he was both a member of and officer for Local 373 (now combined into Local 16-248) and Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians. For over 25 years, Chris played for many famous acts at the PNC Bank Arts Center, and he was both a regular and a sub for numerous Broadway shows. He performed at a myriad of well-known venues, most notably NJPAC, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Recital Hall.

But most of all, he loved his band; Chris was the Conductor/Musical Director of The Garden State Symphonic Band (gssband.com) for 60 years, and he worked tirelessly to keep live music available free to the public, by working with a committee (Concerts by the Bay), donors, and paid professional union musicians to provide concert music on Sundays each summer at Bayview Park in Perth Amboy for the past 60 years.

Chris was a lifelong regular churchgoer and a former member of the Men's Group at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church of Edison until it closed its doors. He then became a parishioner at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and even as it became difficult to attend live service, Chris still got dressed up weekly to view the service from home.

Besides his passion for music and his devotion as a Christian, Chris's Danish heritage was a large and important part of his life. He was a member of Thor Lodge #46 of the Danish Brotherhood, and DANE (Danish Archive North East) in Edison. Chris preserved and performed Danish music, and he enjoyed honoring Danish culture with his family through holiday traditions, authentic food, and song.

It's been previously mentioned that Chris's first love was music, but his biggest and most important love was his treasured wife, Jacquelyn. Originally, becoming a teacher was not a goal for young Chris Pedersen, but once they started a family, Chris cheerfully taught until his retirement, always continuing with his musician jobs at night or on weekends. Chris never missed holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries at home. He wrote the sweetest and funniest gift tags, and he had the most distinctive (messy) present wrapping. By their children, "Mom and Dad" have always been seen as one unified couple, who took their kids apple picking, sleigh riding, ice-skating, camping, kayaking, and hiking.  They have always supported their children through anything that life has thrown their way.

Chris was larger than life. He had so many lifelong friends that it's difficult to keep track. He always had the time to talk to an old friend or make a new one. He had numerous former students whose gifts and tributes have been pouring in over the years. He was a steady, calming presence, who could discuss anything, including politics and religion, without ever losing temper or patience. He was in every way the head of his family, a beacon of light and hope. He was the chief advice-giver and storyteller. Chris loved parties, delicious food of all kinds, and imported beer. He was social, funny, sincere, intelligent, and kind. He was the most loving and dedicated husband, the best father, and an involved and very proud grandfather.

Chris is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jacquelyn (n. Schultz) Pedersen of Fords; his three children: Robin Pedersen, and her husband Charlie Sharman, of Cream Ridge, NJ; Christian Pedersen III, and his wife, Renee, of Monroe Township, NJ; Lori Pedersen, of Fords; his sister, Carol Pedersen, and his niece, Cindy Stopen of Milford, NJ; his six grandchildren: Rebecca, David, Jesse, Karlee, and husband Mark, Cody, Maggie, and two great grandchildren, Adida & Malcolm.

Private cremation was entrusted to Flynn and Son Funeral Home, Fords.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Chris' Life at 11:00a.m., January 6, 2024, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 445 Old Post Rd., Edison where refreshments will be served following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to  Concerts By the Bay in honor of his life. To donate online, please go to: gssband.com/Donate.html. or mail to: Concerts by the Bay, Inc., Attn. Lisa Nanton, Treasurer, 32 Gordon St., Perth Amboy, NJ  08861.