Sutton, NH-Paul Fridtjof Knudson, 81, of Birch Hill Road, died Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Concord Hospital suddenly. He was born in Newton, MA on April 19, 1931 the son of Clarence and Virginia Knudson.

A well respected composer, pianist and musician, Paul graduated from Harvard University Class of 1953. He taught at Adelphi University and Rutgers University. Paul had been the organist and choir director for South Church in Concord, NH, the Congregational Church of Henniker and churches in Sussex County, NJ where he was the conductor of the N.W., NJ Orchestra and the Sussex Opera Company. He has written hundreds of compositions for choirs, orchestras, operas and instruments. Some of which are available for loan at the Baggaduce Lending Library, Blue Hill, ME.

Paul was a member of the USPS (United States Power Squadron), having sailed his 30’ Pierson from Northern Canada down the US Atlantic Coast to Key West and the Bahamas.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eleaner (Berlinghoff) Knudson; one daughter, Robin Knudson; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 4:00 P.M. at The United Church of Warner, NH. Chadwick Funeral Service of New London, NH is assisting the family with arrangements.