Bengt Alrick Pettersson

Bengt A. Pettersson, age 83, died peacefully at home at Linden Ponds in Hingham, MA, on January 1, 2018.

He was the loving husband of 40 years to the late Jean (Kashes) Pettersson. Ben will be remembered for his love for his family, his wry sense of humor, and life-long passion for movies and travel.

Ben, the son of Swedish immigrants Carl and Elsa Peterson, grew up in Waltham, MA, with his 3 brothers and graduated from Tufts University in 1956. He had a long career as a Systems Engineer at IBM, notably creating a Users Group for his customers, which was novel at the time. Ben was a man ahead of his time, raising his son and daughters with equal guidance and expectations. He took great pride in coaching his daughters’ sports teams, focusing not only on execution but on strategy as well. Ben and Jean tragically lost their son, Chris, in 1978. They found solace in the support group Compassionate Friends, eventually leading the group themselves and helping countless other parents. Jean, the love of his life, passed away in 1998.

After his retirement Ben frequented the Hingham Senior Center, often running computer classes and participating in discussion groups and bridge. In 2004, Ben was one of the first to move in to Linden Ponds. He led tours of the area for new residents, taught computer classes, and started the biweekly movie club, acquiring and showing movies for LP residents. He also loved attending his grandsons’ games, concerts, and shows.

Ben is survived by his daughter Julie Pettersson Ryan, of Hingham, and her sons Kayne, Andrew, and Grant Ryan, and his daughter Lynn Pettersson Hirt and her husband Steve, of Hanover, and her sons Chris, Cal, Tucker and Reed Hirt. Most recently he was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Madeleine, the daughter of Kayne and Chelsey Ryan, of Brunswick, ME. He is also survived by his younger brother, Daniel Peterson of MA, and 3 nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be paid to the family on Monday, January 8, 2018 from 4:30-7:30pm at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham, MA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Ben asked for donations to the Hingham Senior Center, 210 Central St., Hingham, MA 02043. 

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