Raymond Carl Pettersen

Raymond Carl Pettersen, 80, of Bluffton, SC, passed away Monday, June 9, 2025, at the St. Joseph Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA, after a courageous battle with cancer. Shortly before his death, Raymond spent time with his family and friends, including his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “Popo.”

Raymond was born December 23,1944, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Arne Pettersen and Esther Omland Pettersen. Following high school, Raymond joined the US Air Force in 1964, where he served his nation at Dover Air Force Base in the 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron as a Jet Engine and Aircraft Mechanic, eventually becoming a Sergeant who was awarded numerous medals and ribbons, including the National Defense Service Medal. After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended Delaware State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Raymond married the love of his life, Brenda Powell, on January 25, 1969, and together had two daughters, Cindy and Chris. He and Brenda worked as owner/operators of numerous McDonald’s restaurants in the South Central Pennsylvania area for 44 years. Their work as franchisees contributed to many communities and provided a livelihood for countless employees. They also served as founding members of the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, PA, later known as the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania. Their work as board members reflected their approach to their marriage, their children, and their business: everything was carried equally, through joys and sorrows, working and making decisions together for the benefit of their daughters, sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

After “leaving the business,” Raymond and Brenda made Rehoboth Beach, DE, their home before moving to South Carolina in 2023. The family had many memories from vacationing in the Hilton Head area over the years, so Raymond was excited to be back on the local golf courses. When Brenda was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Raymond did not miss a beat and quickly became her caregiver, continuing with the same dedication to Brenda that he had promised in his wedding vows so many decades ago. This example of selfless love serves as a lasting legacy that will be passed down to future generations. Raymond also loved boating, always ready to “captain” a ride for whoever was ready. “Popo” most especially loved the time he spent with his grandchildren, whether watching a lacrosse match, a soccer game, cross-country or track meet, stage production, or a ballet recital. He was especially proud of the work with his grandsons to achieve their Eagle Scout Award for the Boy Scouts of America.  The family enjoyed many Disney vacations, where “Popo” was one of the kids, experiencing the magic of being surrounded by all those he loved so much. He will be greatly missed by all his family, but they will always cherish the many memories they shared with him over the years. They are also comforted by Raymond’s decision for salvation he made at a Billy Graham crusade event many years ago.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 56 years Brenda Pettersen, daughters Cynthia (Joseph) Hutcheson, of Philadelphia, PA and Christina (Stephen) Lesher of St. Cloud, FL, grandchildren Jordan (Kylie) Lesher of Philadelphia PA, Aaron Lesher of Clemson, SC, Sylvia & Emma Hutcheson of Philadelphia, PA, and sister Carol Scott of Dover, NJ. Raymond was predeceased by his sister, Ruth (Henry) Will of Dover, NJ.

The memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Sauls Funeral Home (90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton, SC). The family will receive family and friends at 10am for the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Raymond’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania, 717-533-4001, www.rmhc-centralpa.org

Ronald McDonald House Charity of Central Pennsylvania
Web: http://www.rmhc-centralpa.org