Robert "Bob" Petrillo

Robert "Bob" Anthony Petrillo, 79, of Salem, NH passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 peacefully at High Point House with his wife in his arms.
Robert was born in Lawrence, MA on September 13, 1945, the son of the late Americo and Edna (Ziady) Petrillo. Bob was raised and educated in Lawrence, MA, he graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA in 1963. It was here where Bob cultivated a strong work ethic and deep commitment to family. He was also a 1968 graduate of Northeastern University. Coaching was Bob's calling, but family was his passion and Papa was his favorite title.
Bob is survived by his wife Arlene (Caraccio-Drouin) Petrillo, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage, as well as his daughter Pamela Serwatka and her husband Joseph Serwatka of Haverhill MA, his sons Steven Petrillo of Salem, NH, Michael Drouin and his wife Lynda of Salem, NH, and daughter in law Tammie Petrillo of Plaistow NH. He was Papa to seven grandchildren: Alyssa Caruso, Kaylie Fisette and her Husband Nick Fisette, Myah Drouin, Robbie Petrillo, Michael Drouin, Stevie Petrillo, and Joey Serwatka, the great grandfather to Jackson Caruso and Jett Fisette, the brother to Patricia Kaminsky and her husband Arnold of Methuen, MA, and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob cherished his time with family and friends and he loved being around or on the water. Whether it was summers on Pawtuckaway Lake, the north shore beaches, the Newburyport Yacht Club or his home on Arlington Pond. Bob was a gracious host who wanted everyone to have a good time. Papa's biggest joy came from watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. Whether he was teaching them how to fish, throw a football, or taking them for a boat ride, Papa always wanted them to have a good time.
Bob dedicated over 35 years at Bedford High School as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. Coach Petrillo is best remembered by his players for his passion, intensity and loyalty. Coach came to Bedford in the spring of 1968 as a teaching assistant and was hired soon after as a coach. While he was assistant coach, the team was Dual County League champion four times in the 1970s. Through all the ups and downs, the respect and affection provided by coach Petrillo was always constant. He also coached junior varsity baseball for 14 years and was an assistant coach with the ice hockey team. He taught thousands of students during his career in the physical education department. Coach Petrillo chose to remain as an assistant throughout his career, in 1988 he was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame for assistant coaches. After retirement Coach Petrillo enjoyed coaching his grandchildren in youth football. He also coached over 10 seasons for the Pelham Youth Razorbacks and Pelham High School, NH. Coach Petrillo has continued to maintain lifelong relationships with his former players, students, and colleagues. In 2010, Bob was inducted into the Bedford High School Hall of Fame as a coach, teacher, and athletic director. Bob was instrumental in the creation of the Bedford Hall of Fame.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Pelham Razorbacks Football & Cheer at P.O. Box 791 Pelham, N.H. 03076 or Bedford High School Athletics at 97 McMahon Rd, Bedford, MA 01730
Family and friends are invited to Bob's Visitation on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA. His Funeral Service will be held the following morning, Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 11:00 in the Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Bellevue Cemetery.