730th PIERRE T.

RASMUSSEN

Middletown, N.Y. Pierre T. Rasmussen a resident of Middletown died Wednesday June 23, 2004
peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was 80. The son of the late Pierre and Helen
Thomson Rasmussen was born in Englewood, New Jersey on December 28, 1923. Mr.
Rasmussen was the president and General Manager of the Middletown and New Jersey Railway.
Pierre was widely known as Pete by those who knew him. Railroading has always been in his
blood. From the age of 15 he worked hard to fulfill his life long dream of working on the railroad.
During World War II Pete proudly served his country in the 730th Railway Operating Battalion.
The 730th was assigned to run secret missions to the Russian front transporting supplies. He was
honorably discharged from the service in 1946. Before and after the war he worked on various
railroads in both New York and New Jersey. Early in the 1960's Pete and two other partners
bought a local bankrupt railroad in Middletown, New York, which became known as the
Middletown and New Jersey Railroad Inc. During the 1960's the Empire State Museum ran the
#103 steam engine excursion trains over the Middletown and New Jersey Railway Line. Being the
engineer on the 103 steam engine was one of many highlights of his life. Pete also squeezed in
time to help build the Garden State Parkway as a crane operator. Pete was a member of the O&
W Club and Honorary member of Middletown and New Jersey Historical Society. Pete is "Happy
as a clam at high tide". How we will miss his colorful stories, quotes and proverbs that were so
witty and engaging. His sayings made him the most authentic personality in all our lives, which all
will sorely miss. We all realize that as the train of life continues to rumble down the tracks, the
depth of our sorrow will continue to echo in the wail of the mournful trains. He is survived by his
loving wife Lucy; beloved children: Helen Ann Mahtaban of Toms River, NJ, Peter Rasmussen Jr.
and his wife Linda of Jericho, NY and Harold John Rasmussen of Middletown; step children:
Clarisse Rich and her husband Rocky of Middletown, Denise Stanford and her husband David of
Ravensdale, WA, Teresa Decker and her companion Richard Bouzakis of Irving TX, Patricia
Quinn and her husband Michael of Berne, NY and Jennifer Miner and her husband Brian of Allen,
TX; 20 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday June 25th from 2 to 4
and 7 to 9 PM at the Morse Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be Saturday 11:00 AM
at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph's cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of
flowers contribution may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan County 800 Stony Brook
Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements are under the direction of the Morse Funeral Home
33 Railroad Ave. Middletown, NY.