Michael S. Petersen

Biddeford

Michael Scott Petersen, 52, of Biddeford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 1, 2026, at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center - Portland.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on June 26, 1973, a son of Peter Petersen and Estelle Perham Day. He grew up and was educated in Southern Maine.

Following school, Michael worked for 13 years with Woodstructures in Saco. He was later employed with The Lobster Company in Arundel, Volk Packaging in Biddeford, Abbott Labs in Scarborough, and most recently, Pack Edge in Saco.

In 2006 Michael met the love of his life, Jennifer Avery, and from that point on the couple was inseparable. They settled in Biddeford, and made a meaningful impact on the local community. Besides working his regular jobs, Michael often assisted Jennifer with her homecare business by visiting and caring for the elderly, and comforting those under hospice care.  He made lasting relationships with many of the clients he served.

Michael was truly one of a kind, and would always sacrifice his own needs to put others first.  He would be the first to step-up at family gatherings to entertain the children, man the grill, and do the cleaning up.

Michael had an extraordinary ability to connect with kids. When his children were younger, Michael would build amazing snow forts and have some intense snowball fights with his sons, Austin and Brandon.  He would take long hikes with his daughter, Haylie, when they lived in the Sebago area and shared his enthusiasm and love of nature with all his children. Seth and Destiny have fond memories of their long talks sharing that he was a great listener, never held any judgement and always knew what to say. As a grandfather, Michael completely adored his grandkids and would often be found playing with them down on the floor.

His greatest passion was riding his motorcycle.  He would describe the experience like flying, like being one with the bike and the road.  His first bike was a 1991 Sturgis, and later upgraded to a 2025 Road Glide.  Michael and Jennifer formed many close friendships within the motorcycle community and had friends from various motorcycle clubs and charity rides. These bonds became deeply meaningful to both of them, they were built on a shared passion, loyalty and brotherhood. There are far too many to name, but Jennifer would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to every one of them for the love, support and kind words shared about Michael since his passing. And a sincere thank you to Ice and his wife, Julie, for their unwavering friendship over the years and for the compassion, strength and support they have shown her during this incredibly difficult time.

Most of all he loved Jennifer, his children and his grandchildren.  Michael will be remembered for his kindness, for always being present, and for telling you how it is.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his grandparents, Dean and Florence Perham, and by his grandfather, Peter Petersen.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Avery; by his parents, Peter Petersen and wife Judy Petersen, Estelle Perham Day and husband Steve Day; by his grandmother, Marion Petersen; by his children, Seth Petersen, Destiny Petersen and Husband Michael Clarke, Haylie Petersen, Austin Avery and wife Haley, Brandon Avery and wife Sadie; and by six grandchildren, Ivann Bell, Aiden Clarke, Paislee Downs, Arrayah Petersen, Oliver Petersen and Landon Avery.  He is also survived by his brothers, Alex Day, Robert Petersen and wife Sarah; by his two sisters, Kim Grenier and husband Rick, and Heather Day; as well as by many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 4:00pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the Sugar Shack Cafe, 185 Main Street, Cornish, Maine.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Michael's memory to Compassionate Home Care by Jen, 177 May St, Biddeford, ME 04005, where a special fund is being established for those in financial difficulty who are in need of care.