Obituary of Peter & Jean Anderson
Peter E. Anderson, 79, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at the East Orange VA Medical Center and his wife, Dorothy Jean, 78, passed away nearly three weeks after on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Peter was born in Plainfield and grew up in Westfield. While serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he lived in Germany with his wife Jean and following his return back to the United States the couple resided in Roselle prior to settling to Piscataway in 1980.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 – 1969. During his active duty service Peter was awarded the National Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, Two Overseas Bars and the Marksman Badge M-14.
For over 20 years Peter worked at Rutgers University and for several years at UMDNJ where he became highly respected which led to several lifelong friendships with colleagues and students.
Peter’s life was filled with laughter love and joy. He enjoyed taking care of plants and flowers inside and outside of his home. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Peter and his wife Jean were always there for anyone in need. Peter adored his beautiful wife Jean, loved his entire family, and was always there for any friend that needed him. Peter enjoyed traveling all over the country and abroad with his family and friends. He traveled from Canada to many countries in Europe including Norway which was his dream trip to see where his ancestors were from and also back to Germany where he and his wife lived while in the Army. Peter was extremely proud of his military service and continued to show support as he was part of key personnel in the 114th Aviation Company Association assisting with newsletters and communication.
Peter is survived by his son, David Anderson of Pennsylvania; brothers, Frank Anderson of Arizona, Bruce Anderson of Roselle and Donald Anderson and his wife Judy of Plainfield. In addition also surviving are numerous extended relatives and friends.
Dorothy Jean was born in California on September 21, 1945. She grew up in Little Falls, spent a year living in Germany while her husband Peter served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Once stateside they resided in Roselle before settling in Piscataway in 1980.
Jean graduated from Montclair State University where she received a degree in Art Education.
Following college, Jean entered the workforce briefly teaching then ultimately became a director of a day care center in Highland Park for many years prior to her retirement.
Jean’s life was full of life adventures, love and joy. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, sports, crossword puzzles and caring for her plants and garden. She was an avid lover of all animals and had several pet cats over the years.
Jean and her husband Peter, along with close friends started a group; the Gourment Club, which consisted of monthly themed dinners and eventually they evolved everyone’s love of cooking and friendship into traveling excursions revolved around restaurants and shared interests.
Jean would host every Christmas with her delicious pork loin recipes. She was a sports enthusiast, particularly fond of the New York Giants but was a huge advocate for women’s sports most notably the New York Liberty.
She was known for her beautiful house plants especially her many many orchids and was also known for her astonishing outdoor garden.
Most of all, Jean put everyone else before herself. From her early days of teaching, to raising a family, working in a day care and helping friends and family out, Jean always put others ahead of herself. She will always be loved and missed but never forgotten.
Jean is survived by her son David Anderson of Pennsylvania and sister Gail Rossetti of Manalapan. In addition also surviving are numerous extended relatives and friends.
A joint Memorial Gathering for relatives and friends to remember and reflect on the lives of both Jean and Peter will be celebrated on Friday, July 19, 2024 beginning at 11am followed by a 1:45pm prayer service in the Piscataway Funeral Home 18 Stelton Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854.
Both Jean and Peter’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at a later date.