John Andrew "Andy" Pettingell

Northborough - John Andrew Pettingell, known to everyone as Andy, passed away on September 29, 2026, following a brief illness.

Andy was a remarkable son, brother, and uncle who achieved tremendous success in overcoming challenges posed by the genetic condition phenylketonuria, defying medical predictions. He lived a life of quiet strength, determination, and an enthusiasm for every opportunity life offered him.

Born in Northampton, Massachusetts, Andy spent his youth in Concord, then made a home in Orlando, Florida, for 35 years before returning to Paxton, Massachusetts, for the last decade of his life.

Andy was a kind and gentle soul with a tremendous capacity for joy. He loved family gatherings, holidays, good eats, movies, quiz shows, learning, staying active, music of all genres, and football (from the warmth of indoors, never a cold seat in the stands). He was a true puzzle master who could take on the toughest jigsaw puzzles. In Orlando, he thoroughly enjoyed all that DisneyWorld had to offer. He carried that love and love of good long walks back to Massachusetts, where he walked daily every season and took great pride in his smartwatch fitness numbers.

Andy was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Mildred Pettingell (née Morgan).

He is survived by his sister Virginia (David) Henschel of Paxton, MA, and his brothers William (Leslie) Pettingell of North Attleboro, MA, and James (Sarah) Pettingell of Glastonbury, CT. He was a beloved uncle to Meredith (Nelson) Coyle, Kirsten (Scott) Smith, Matthew (Rachel) Henschel, Holly (Ryan) Travis, Whitney Henschel, Judith Pettingell Gibriano, Scott (Salma) Pettingell, and Christine Pettingell, and to fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews.

Andy will be missed by all who knew him, and especially for the joy he brought to every part of life.

Burial will take place in Florida. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Details will be shared with family and friends once they are set.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the National PKU Alliance www.npkua.org or Make-A-Wish Foundation or to any organization of your choice that brings joy to children.