R. Peter Henrikson

R. Peter Henrikson, Chief, EGFD (Ret.), 82 of Warwick, died peacefully at home July 12, 2022 He was born July 16, 1940 in Oakland beach. He was the son of the late Roland and Emily (Boldt) Henrikson. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Francesca W. (Walsh) Henrikson.

Peter graduated from the former Rhode Island Junior College in 1980 with an Associate Degree in Fire Science.

Peter retired as Fire Chief for the East Greenwich Fire District in 1991 after continuing a long and proud family tradition which included his father in law Chief Francis A. Walsh, NKFD, his brother in law Chief Roger F. Walsh, NKFD, his brother in law Fire Marshal Gordon M. Walsh, NKFD, his son Chief Peter F. Henrikson, EGFD and son Asst. Fire Marshal WFD, Christian M. Henrikson.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corp he served as a patrolman for the East Greenwich Police Department for several years prior to becoming a supervisor at Brown and Sharpe manufacturing prior to his appointment as a full time firefighter for the former East Greenwich Fire District. Peter’s service to the fire department started in 1956 as a volunteer and ended when he retired as chief in 1991.

Upon retirement Peter moved to New Hampshire where his beloved wife wanted to be and spent 18 years there prior to returning to Rhode Island due to her declining health.

Peter is survived by daughter Susan L. Pope of West Warwick, son Peter F. Henrikson, Chief EGFD (Ret.) and his wife Kristen of Bluffton, South Carolina, daughter Mary C. Smart of Coventry and son Christian M. Henrikson, Asst. Fire Marshal WFD (Ret.) and his wife Susan of West Greenwich. He was the grandfather of Lauren, Rachel, Jenna, Meghan, Madelyn, Hunter and James.

Peter is also survived by his sister Nancy Worrall of Warwick and brother in law Gordon Walsh, Fire Marshal NKFD (Ret.) of North Kingstown. He was predeceased by his brother Richard, sisters Lorna Yarborough, Elsie Graham, Elizabeth Whalen and Susan Dubis.

Peter was a founding member of the East Greenwich Veterans Firemans Association, a charter member of the East Greenwich Firefighter’s Association, former member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association and was a voted in as a lifetime member of the former East Greenwich Fire Department Company #1, he was the past president of the East Greenwich Veterans Firemans Association.

Funeral Service Tuesday, July 19 ^th at 10:00am at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich.  Burial will be private.  Calling hours:  Monday, July 18 ^th 4-7pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rhode Island Chiefs Honor Flight.