Peter John Fredrickson, 81, of Old Saybrook, husband of 59 years to Lorraine (Bouton) Fredrickson, died on Jan. 2 at Bride Brook Health Center in Niantic. Son of the late Donald Davidson Fredrickson and Dorothy Barker (Johnson) Fredrickson, he was born in Brooklyn, New York, on Nov. 7, 1929, and moved to Madison, New Jersey.  He earned a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree in industrial management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Soon after his college graduation and his marriage to Lorraine, Peter served in the Korean War aboard the Fletcher class destroyer U.S.S. Cowell, becoming its chief engineer.  He then moved to Old Saybrook and designed small electro-mechanical devices at Vocaline Company.  He later worked as a design engineer at Electric Boat for 26 years.

Peter was an active member of the Old Saybrook Congregational Church, singing in the choir for 56 years and serving on numerous committees.  He also served for many years on Old Saybrook’s Waterfront/Harbor Management Commission.  

Peter was an avid sailor who particularly enjoyed cruising aboard his leeboard ketch, Nimble.  Handy with a sextant, he had taught celestial navigation for the Power Squadron.  He was also a charter member and past Commodore of the North Cove Yacht Club.  

Peter had a lifelong interest in steam engines. He volunteered on train repairs, worked part-time as a fireman, and served as an engineer at the Valley Railroad in Essex. He also served, as needed, as an engineer aboard the steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport.  

Peter was a committed traditional jazz devotee and could always be found at the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival.  In later years, he became an ardent duplicate bridge player, enjoying several different groups. Most of all, Peter was devoted to his family, who enjoyed sharing his hobbies with him.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Irena Fredrickson of Westbrook; his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Mark Eckman of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his grandchildren, Peter Fredrickson, Scott Fredrickson, Lisa Fredrickson, Laura Eckman, and Nate Eckman. He is also survived by two brothers, Donald Fredrickson of Carmel, California, and Robert Fredrickson of Ballwin, Missouri, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16, at the First Church of Christ in Old Saybrook (Congregational) on Main Street.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. The Swan Funeral Home of Old Saybrook is in charge of arrangements.