Name: Celebration of Life for Roger H. Pettis
Start: 2016-08-11T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-08-12T00:00:00.000Z
Location: James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home

Roger Hibbert Pettis, age 77, passed away peacefully in his Franklin, Massachusetts home on Saturday, August 6, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on January 19, 1939, he was the son of the late Harold Edward and Martha Helena (Makie) Pettis. He was raised in Walpole, where he played both hockey and football for Walpole High School, before graduating with the Class of 1957. Roger spent his life working in the contruction field, taking on any project that came his way. Roger married his wife, Barbara, on October 9, 1971 in Framingham and together they made their home in Franklin. They later purchased their summer home in Eastham on Cape Cod, where he made many wonderful memories. As a talented artist, Roger spent countless hours sketching, painting, carving and sculpting. Many of his bird carvings were placed around his home in the beautiful gardens that he took great pride in caring for. His artistic skills led him to the Walpole Footlighters Playhouse in East Walpole, where he loved acting as well as designing and building the sets used in the various performances. Roger dedicated over 40 years to the Footlighters. Although he constantly stayed busy, as an avid sports fan, he loved any chance he had to watch and cheer on one of his favorite New England Teams. Beloved husband of Barbara (Wiessler) Pettis. Loving father of Kurt C. Pettis of Greenville, SC, Pamela A. Pettis of Brunswick, ME. Cherished grandfather of April Pettis of Greenville, SC. Step father of Cynthia L. Wegel of Walpole and Lauren B. Wegel of New York City. Brother of Edith Barrows of Danville, VA, the late Harold E. Pettis, Jr. and the late Richard Pettis. Devoted uncle of Peter Barrows of Walpole, Wendy Barrows Brennan of Walpole, Mark Barrows of Attleboro and Karen Fowler of Danville, VA. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Rogers Life Celebration on Thursday, August 11, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Funeral service and interment will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Walpole Footlighters, P.O. Box 189, Walpole, MA 02081.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Country Gazette - Wrentham from Aug. 9 to Aug. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Pettis

Sponsored by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home.

19 Entries

Lauren Wegel

August 13, 2016

RIP Rog. Listening to 'All Things Must Pass' by George Harrison and thinking of you. It is part of the soundtrack of my life, and you helped create that soundtrack. Many musical and comical and wonderful moments in a life that was so fully lived, even if sometimes sad. I love you always. Lauren

Shirley Cowles

August 13, 2016

I have fond memories of Roger working on the set on a Saturday Morning while I played with the lights at the Footlighters. I'm sure he will be watching over both the theater and family. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family, Sincerely Shirley former lighting designer with the Footlighters

Susan Heckmann

August 12, 2016

Ever the comic and the set builder I never gave a thought to how handsome your were; very much the Robert Wagner of Franklin.

I will always remember your brilliant idea to solve my problem with the set of 'The Diary of Anne Frank.' I gave you a copy of the set drafted to duplicate the Broadway version, only smaller. However, as the set was the two story attic where the Frank's lived the last years of their lives I could not imagine how to accomplish that on the much small dimensioned stage of the Footlighters. You, however, had vision greater than mine and simple said "lets take down the inner roof and bring the set up to the rafters." It was perfect, as were all the actors in the cast.

Thank you Roger. I pray there is a use for your talent on an much bigger stage.

You'll be missed.

Sincerely,
Susan Heckmann

Peg and Steve Walsh

August 11, 2016

Dear Barbara, Cindy and Lauren,

We are thinking of you as you celebrate Roger's like. We have known all of you for so long and will miss sweet, gentle Roger. May he rest in peace and smile down upon us from his special place in heaven.

With much love, Peg and Steve Walsh, Kim Smyth Pellegri, Mark Smyth and Tommy Smyth

Elaine Varney

August 11, 2016

I have many fond memories of Roger when he came to visit Pam in
Brunswick, Maine. He really loved his crossword puzzles.
We all will miss him. With heart felt sympathy.

Dorothea Roussopoulos

August 11, 2016

To the pettis family you are surrounded by great supportive friends and family in this time. May roger rest at peace in his beautiful new garden,

Jane and Steve Huston

August 10, 2016

We will always remember Roger working outside in his yard or at his truck. He would give us a quiet smile and a gentle wave. Roger you will be greatly missed.

August 10, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Lauren Wegel

August 10, 2016

You will always stay in my heart- your gentle spirit and creativity will inspire me as long as I live. Miss you so much already Rog- so sad to lose you. Love you always.

Rosemary Mtchell

August 10, 2016

Roger, many memories at Footlighters......you were one of the good guys. I'll miss you.

Laurie (Lockhart) Dyment

August 9, 2016

In loving memory of "Uncle Roger." So many wonderful memories growing up with both you and my dad. You will be very missed and never forgotten for your humor, your smile, and your many, many creative talents.

anne obert

August 9, 2016

Roger, I will so miss your sense of humor and mild manner - always one of my favorite relatives.
Sister Inlaw, Anne Pettis

Kay and Bob Blaha

August 9, 2016

How many memories we shared together over the years:
Your sensitive acting in "The Boys Next Door";
The incredible sets you built including for "Enchanted April" and ""The Dixie Swim Club";
The many parties where we sang around the piano in Franklin;
Dinners with friends in Eastham enjoying your garden;
Quiet moments where a glance expressed your feelings.
Roger, you brought a special something to all of our lives, may you rest in peace.

JimandMickey Mitchell

August 9, 2016

We are Blessed to have Roger in our lives, a special man and more than a friend. Remembering the twinkle in his eyes when he smiled.Sharing flowers and vegetables from his beautiful garden he expressed so much love and caring.We love you Roger. Rest in God's Loving Arms. Jim and Mickey Mitchell

William Lockhart

August 9, 2016

My oldest and Dearest friend in this world . . . For as long as I can remember . . . Roger & I were the very closest of buddies, dating back to
1951. We went from grade school to grandfathers sharing so many of life's
adventures and experiences. By fortune (or) circumstance, our families were
joined by marriage, assuring a lifetime
bond. I was also proud to be his Best Man when he married Barbara. I knew he
had found the happiness he deserved.
To say my heart hangs heavy with his passing would never be enough. I will
forever miss him.

Bill Lockhart

Frank Woodward

August 9, 2016

Remember Roger back in the day at Footlighters, one of the good guys. May Roger rest in the peace and love of God.

Kim and Dan Ausmus

August 8, 2016

Roger was a gift to everyone who came into his path. When I lived with my parents across the street he always had a smile and a warm hello. We pray for Barbara, Cindy, Lauren and all who cared for Roger to know that he is a constant light that will always shine. May God's arms embrace everyone with His love.

Christine Grudinskas

August 8, 2016

Roger was a lovely man and he will be very much missed by all of us at the Footlighters. Our prayers are with Barbara and all the family. Christine and Thomas Grudinskas

Tony Sullivan

August 8, 2016

I have many happy childhood memories w/Roger. He was a friend and classmate

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