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A Tribute To My Father, Dr. Joseph Petteruti: 1930 - 2015

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A Tribute To My Father, Dr. Joseph Petteruti: 1930 - 2015

dr. stephen petteruti, heart attack, sons tribute, heart disease, health, aging, Dr. Joseph Petteruti

Category: Healthy Living
January 7, 2015 - 6:33am — ShannonPetteruti

I remember a day as a boy going on a house call with my father. He went to visit a woman who was dying of cancer. I remember the concern, and then the relief in the husband's face as my father gently examined the patient and offered his support.

I remember my dad walking the sidelines of my football games in high school. Team doctor, number one fan, cheering victories and suffering losses together.

I remember my father later in his career studying to learn new skills, always keeping up with the latest medicine.

When I started my practice after leaving the Army, it was Dr. Petteruti and son. Side-by-side. Working together. In the same call group together. Funny, sometimes you don't know the best moments as they are happening.

On January 3, 2015 at 5 PM I watched as my father took his last breath. Who knew that inside that robust chest, that youthful frame, the arteries to his heart had completely blocked. He did not struggle, he just went to sleep. A chill fell over the room. I took comfort as my wife, Shannon, asked me "who do you think greeted him on the other side?" One thousand friends, Shannon,  one thousand  friends, and one thousand more left behind.

A big man, with a great heart, extracting joy out of every moment, loving his family, his patients, and his God. For those of you who knew and loved my father the best way to honor him is with a prayer, and a commitment to enjoy your life.

-Dr. Stephen Petteruti

There will be a memorial mass for him at Our Lady Of Mercy Church in East Greenwich on January 24th at 10 AM. A reception will follow at Richards Pub, 3347 South County Trail in East Greenwich from 11:30am - 2:00pm.  All are welcome.

On June 5th, there will be a military service at Exeter Veterns Memorial Cemetary. 

Joeseph Petteruti, D.O. was a family practitioner in RI for over 30 years. He graduated from LaSalle Academy in Providence in 1947 and entered the US Army in 1948 serving in Germany during the Korean War and retired in 1993 as Medical Corp. Colonel. He graduated from Providence College in 1955 and attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in 1959.

Comments

January 7, 2015 - 9:16am — Susan Kurtz (not verified)

Steve, I am very sorry for your loss. I knew your dad when I was much younger. He was such a gentle and caring person. You inherited that from him. I will pray not only for him, but for your family to find peace at this difficult time.
January 7, 2015 - 9:52am — Georgia (not verified)

I am so sorry for loss. I remember your dad as a wonderful and caring person. I used to take my grandmother to her appointments with him until he retired, then you took over her care with the same caring and compassionate way that we came to know and love about your dad. You were there for me and my grandmother when she passed. I can not begin to tell you what that meant for me. I will pray for your dad and you and your family. God bless!
January 7, 2015 - 11:03am — Claire Murray (not verified)

Your father was my physician for many years prior to retiring and I loved him. Caring, compassionate, humorous and always made me feel like I was important to him. I continued receiving my care with you and never regretted it. Glad that he was able to go gently on to the welcoming committee of the many whom he cared for. He leaves a legacy that is to be admired. The vessel is gone, but his spirit lives on always. Prayers for you and your family.
January 7, 2015 - 11:56am — bob and pat mitchell (not verified)

Bob and I were a patients of your Father from 1974 until the day he retired. We loved him and respected him as a Doctor. He always had a new joke to tell Bob when he saw him and always bragged about Stephen the football coach. I will never forget when we lost a close friend he came into the waiting room to express his condolences to me. I T WAS Bobs appointment. He told me this life is not a rehearsal so live it to your fullest which I believe he did. Give our regards to all of Dr. Petteruti's family. Love Pat and Bob Mitchell
January 7, 2015 - 3:50pm — Leslie Flynn (not verified)

Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad.
January 7, 2015 - 7:08pm — Bernie Patenaude (not verified)

Steve, I remember your dad at our football games... He was always there for us! My condolences and regards to your family. Bernie
January 8, 2015 - 6:20am — Neal & Linda Roberts (not verified)

We are sorry to hear the news about the passing of your Father. Linda & I offer our condolences to you and your family.
January 8, 2015 - 6:51pm — Cousin Mark (not verified)

How brief our time on this mortal sphere! Sorry about the pool cue Uncle Joe and say hi to Robert for me. I miss him.
January 10, 2015 - 12:37am — Gabe saballa (not verified)

I to have fond memories of your dad.though I had lost my dad from a stroke at an early age, I found myself at your house most of my teenage years not having a father around I use to listen in on the family discussions and events you use to have at dinner or around the house, it made me feel at home, and when mr. Petteruti would watch the Red Sox on the tube, it was an event by itself.l will never forget the whiffed ball games in the back yard with your dad. I will remember him for the rest of my life.Your dad was a great man.Gabe
January 12, 2015 - 2:06pm — Jenny Conti (not verified)

Such a touching tribute - you are clearly so grateful to have had him in your life. What a gift. You make a good point, too, when you remind us that "you don't know the best moments as they are happening.