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WINDHAM - Brian Richard Petersen, 49, of Windham, passed away peacefully on Sept 4, 2025, after a 13 month battle with brain cancer, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born on Dec. 14, 1975, in Shell Lake, Wis., the son of Richard L. Petersen and the late Victoria (Schmidt) Pettersen. He attended Anoka High School in Anoka, Minn. graduating in 1994. He then went on to join the United States Army serving as an Honor Guard Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery until 1998.
Brian married and had his first son in 1996. In 2002 he had his second son and decided to become an entrepreneur and open Mansetti's Pizza & Pasta Restaurant in Champlin, Minn. With long hours and little family time he decided the restaurant business was not a passion of his and closed in 2008. He decided to move to Maine where a job opportunity awaited. There, he met his true love Jessica. The two shared a love like no other, friends and family could see the special bond they had created. With Jessica having two children of her own he quickly stepped up to becoming a positive role model for them.
He was a man who loved life, always wanting to explore and find new experiences, but worked very hard always having two jobs to support his family with a Windham firefighter being one of them.
He loved the outdoors and running. Staying active and healthy was a priority for him, completing a marathon in 2009 and many other trail and mountain running contests.
He had a true passion for flying drones, owning more than a dozen and started Aerial Imagery Maine in 2022.
He was predeceased by his mother Vicky who suffered from ALS. He is survived by his father Richard L. Petersen and his wife Linda; his stepfather Brian Pettersen; the love of his life, Jessica (Vanier) Harnden; his two sons, Drake M. Petersen and Grant R. Petersen; Jessica's children, Joel M. Harnden and Jenna M. Harnden; his brother Brandon Pettersen, his wife Amber (Hein) Pettersen and their three children, Hailen, Nash and Isla; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Brian was a kind, selfless, caring, loving and warm soul to all who had the pleasure of meeting him. His smile lit up a room and his laugh was infectious. He will be deeply missed.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who provided care, love and support to Brian during his illness. While it is impossible to name everyone, please know that your kindness and compassion made a meaningful difference in his life and will be remembered with deep appreciation. The family would also like to extend special thanks to Dr. Christine Lu-Emerson his neuro-oncologist and her assistant Samuel Gagnon.
In accordance with Brian's wishes there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at Bruno's Restaurant located at 33 Allen Ave, Portland, ME 04103 on Sept. 27, 2025, between the hours of 12 to 4 p.m.