Richard B. Petell, 58

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Richard Brion Petell, 58, beloved father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2016, following an illness at Berkshire Medical Center. 

He was born on February 18, 1958, in Pittsfield, the son of Richard C. Petell and Janet L. Marley. Rick attended Pittsfield and Dalton schools graduating from Wahconah Regional High School in 1976. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Minot North Dakota; he was very proud to have served his country. Rick worked for several years at Renders' Landscaping amongst other jobs throughout the years; his most recent employment was with Pittsfield Plastics. 

Rick especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all spending time with his large family. He also loved watching scary movies/shows. You could usually find him scratching a lottery ticket or two, and usually winning. Rick enjoyed people very much. Anyone he met became a fast friend of his. His sense of humor was a huge part of his personality; he loved to make people laugh. It goes without saying Rick will be sorely missed and has left a huge void in the lives of those who loved him. The Yankees have lost their biggest fan! 

Rick is survived by his former wife, Laurie Lambert Petell, and their two daughters, Ashley and Brittany (Walter); one son, Christopher (Lakisha) Carrigan; his grandchildren, Yasieanna, Walter Lee, Elijah and Jaxon; his mother, Janet L. Marley of Dalton; his siblings Cheryl Major (Bill Allen) of Springhill, Fla., William Marley Jr. (Jamie) of Springfield, Mass., Ben (Karen) Petell of Pittsfield, John Marley of Pittsfield, Babette (Rick) Martin of Dalton, Ron (Kathy) Petell of Stephentown, N.Y., and Pamela (Greg) Verenazi of Chatham N.Y.; as well as many nieces and nephews and his dear friend Karen. 

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Richard C. Petell of New Lebanon, N.Y., and by his stepfather, William Marley Sr. of Dalton.

Rick's family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Step Down Unit at BMC for their care, compassion, and support during this most difficult time.

Funeral notice: Calling hours for Richard B. Petell who passed away on November 26, 2016, will be held Thursday, December 1, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Military Honors will be given by the United States Air Force at 7 p.m. Burial will be private.