Gary Ronald Pettinger

Gary Ronald Pettinger passed away peacefully Sunday, October 21, from complications associated with kidney cancer. He was born in Emmett, Idaho, September 2, 1941 to Ralph and Bernadette Rivord Pettinger; the oldest of nine children. After graduating from Emmett High School in 1959 he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Petty officer 2nd Class Sonar Man. He was stationed on the USS Norfolk DL-1 and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
In 1963 Gary married Ann Hooper of Queens, New York. Together they had three sons. He was proud of his sons accomplishments and considered himself blessed with wonderful daughter-in-laws. They returned to Idaho shortly after leaving the Navy and Gary had a long career with AT&T. Ann passed away in 1998. He enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, camping, back packing, and competitive target shooting. He began as a Sharpshooter and rose to Rifleman, winning various metals over a ten-year period. While his sons were growing up he served as the Assistant Scout Master for troop 310 for 12 years. He sang in the Holy Rosary Choir for 33 years, retiring just last May. Helping to make music on Sundays was his joy. He was also board Secretary for the Society of St.Vincent de Paul. In 2001, he remarried and shared eleven happy years with his wife, Karen.

He is survived by his wife Karen; his brothers and sisters: Dean Pettinger of Twin Falls, Don (Chris) Pettinger, Susanne Daniels, John (Cheryl) Pettinger and Richard Pettinger all of Boise, Anna Pettinger of Portland and Steve (Karen) Pettinger of Vancouver, Washington; his three sons: Gary Michael (Karin) Pettinger, CDR, USN (Ret.) of Virginia, Matthew Reese Pettinger, LCDR, USN (Ret.) of California and Robert David Pettinger (Raluca) of Boise; two step-children, Jeanne Renee Anderson (Corey) of Maryland and Keith C. (Karen) Tate of Delaware and seven grandchildren: Margaret, Brendan, Sean, Daniel, Elliot, Averil and Colin.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 145 9th Street in Idaho Falls, with Father Raul Covarrubias, celebrant. Burial will follow at Fielding Memorial Parke Cemetery in Idaho Falls, with Military Rites under the direction of the Bonneville County Veterans Team. A Rosary will be recited on Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a viewing following from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls. The family suggest donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society 433 May Street Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.