Richard Pettengill

 Obituary: Richard Pettengill, 86 January 1st, 1939 – July 30th, 2025

Richard Pettengill, 86, of Jamaica Plain, passed away on July 30, 2025. He carried his signature grit and dry sense of humor with him until the end. Richard was known affectionately as "Dick" by all his bar and union buddies. He was a proud former building wrecker and active lifelong member of the Local 1421 wrecker’s union. Richard took pride in tough work, strong whiskey, and straight talk.

Raised in Brockton and living in Boston for his adult life, Richard was the walking, talking caricature of an old-timey Boston tough guy. Despite his grouchy demeanor, Richard always had a sense of humor and a way of connecting with people from all walks of life. He met his loving wife, where else, but at their local dive bar, The Sevens, in Back Bay.

Richard was always an active guy. He played on local softball and basketball teams, including the Winnie’s Pub team on Mission Hill, even into his senior years. Every day, he went into his bedroom to do his “stretchies,” his signature combo of weight lifting and stretching that kept him, as he would say, “fit as a fiddle” to the end.

Richard's bark was always worse than his bite, although his bite could still pack a punch. However, hidden beneath the tough outer layers was a fiercely loyal and loving man who would do anything to protect those he loved, often whether they liked it or not.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife and favorite verbal sparring partner, Winifred Lyons, who matched his wit and fire every step of the way. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Ella, Tristan, Lucy, Kieran, Bonden, Chiara, Taryn, Kristi, Jason, and Kylie, who each carry with them a piece of his defiant spirit. He is also survived by his sisters Rene and Janet, his stepsons Gregory, Jefferson, and Mitchel, and many dear friends from the neighborhood and beyond.

Battling cancer for over 30 years, Richard underwent many surgeries and treatments. With death seemingly around the corner for most of his adult life, Richard took to reading the obituaries, or as he called them, “the Irish sports pages,” daily. Each morning that he did not see his name, he declared a victory. Well, Richard, your time has come. It’s finally your day to shine on that Irish sports page.

His presence will be greatly missed by anyone lucky enough to be in his good graces. May he find himself a good cigar, some Paddy's Irish whiskey, Moxie, whoopie pies, and all his favorite records wherever he is now.

Remember Richard in his unapologetic glory. Remember him for his grit, his contagious dry sense of humor, his endless repertoire of old-time rhymes and sayings for any situation, and most of all, for his loyal heart. The world is a little quieter, a little less colorful, a little less exciting, and probably a little bit safer without him in it.

A service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain at 2:30 on Saturday, August 23rd.

Rest Easy.