Robert "Bob" Francis Pettibone, 76

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Robert "Bob" Francis Pettibone, 76, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, formerly of West Suffield and Enfield, Conn., beloved husband of Ann Marie (Petronella), passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
Bob was born on Jan. 28, 1949, in North Adams.
He attended Charles McCann Technical High School and graduated from Drury High School, Class of 1968. He later received technical training through the GE Apprentice Drafting Program, which launched a long and successful career as a mechanical and electrical designer. Bob worked at Chandler Evans in West Hartford and also held positions with Hamilton Standard, Coleco, Triumph Engine Controls, Coltec, and Goodrich Corporation.
In addition to his professional career, he served as a member of the National Guard.
Bob enjoyed hockey, softball, bocce, and golf, and was a devoted fan of the New York Mets, Jets, and Islanders, as well as a die-hard supporter of the Hartford Whalers.
He loved working around his home—he could fix or build just about anything—and took great pride in single- handedly building his first two houses.
Bob was always there to lend a hand, helping friends and family with their own projects, and was often the first to offer assistance when needed.
Bob had immense pride in his children's and grandchildren's athletic and musical talents. After retirement, he especially enjoyed driving his daughter to and from hockey games and practices, proudly becoming the "official driver" for Katheryn and her teammates.
He also enjoyed managing and playing on a local hockey team, which included treasured time playing alongside his son, Tyler.
Bob cherished traveling with his family, particularly their annual trips to Walt Disney World, a recent golfing trip with Karli and his grandson, and fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting Alaska.
He will be remembered for his kindness, patience, devotion, and protectiveness of those he loved, as well as his easy laugh and good-natured sense of humor.
Bob leaves behind his devoted wife of 31 years, Ann Marie (Petronella); his son, Tyler J. Pettibone (Linda) of Somers, Connecticut; his daughters, Karli J. Doheny (William III) of Durham, Connecticut, and Katheryn M. Pettibone (Andrew) of Weare, New Hampshire; and his two loving grandsons, Joseph Pettibone and Nathan Moschetto. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Moulthrop of Clarksburg, Massachusetts; his mother-in-law, Marianne Petronella (Bielonko) of Enfield, Connecticut; his brothers-in-law, William Petronella, Joseph J. Petronella, and John Petronella (Sandra); his sister-in-law, Gina Sidway; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Clara Pettibone; his father-in-law, Joseph F. Petronella; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Moulthrop.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Jan. 30, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 64 Pearl Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 29, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, Connecticut.
Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's name may be made to The 60-16 Veterans Awareness Project, 64 Depot Street, Broad Brook, CT 06016.
