Odero Peter Pettinelli

In Loving Memory of Odero Peter Pettinelli May 10, 1933 – December 31, 2024

Odero Peter Pettinelli passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Chester County Hospital hospice at the age of 91, leaving a lasting legacy of family, love and laughter. 

Odero was born in Riverside, Pennsylvania on May 10, 1933, the beloved son of the late Peter and Amelia Pettinelli and adored younger brother of Elda Cahill. 

Odero was the loving husband of Arlene Morrison Pettinelli. He was the much-loved father of John J. Pettinelli and Virginia M. Pettinelli, cherished father-in-law to Diane Pettinelli and a devoted uncle to Peter (Jessica) Cahill. One of Odero‘s greatest gifts were his grandchildren Laura A. Pettinelli (Johnathan Pryor), John Pettinelli (Kataii) and Joseph Pettinelli (Eva Basilio Garcia).   He was blessed to also meet and spend time with his three beloved great-grandchildren, Sofia and Diana Pettinelli Pryor and John (“LJ”) Pettinelli Jr.   

Odero, his parents and sister moved to Kearny, New Jersey in 1941, where he graduated from Harrison High School.  While attending North College of Engineering he was drafted into the US Army.  Odero declined an invitation to attend officer training school at the request of his father, who had been a prisoner of war in World War I. 

Odero was honorably discharged from the army in 1955.   That same year he began working at  Knopco Corporation.  It was there that he met the girl of his dreams, Arlene Morrison Pettinelli.  It was love at first sight for Odero, who immediately told a friend at work that “he would be marrying that girl.”  When the friend advised him that that girl was dating someone seriously, Odero responded with the 50’s version of a hand wave and a whatever.   It took time, but his wish came true, and they embarked on their 67-year journey together. 

Odero accomplished many things in his lifetime. He was successful in business and he also had the gift of making and keeping friends. He handled his several serious health issues with very little fuss and enormous grace over his long lifetime. He became a wonderful home chef, built and flew radio-controlled airplanes and spent many weekends hunting and fishing with his father, his son John and his nephew Peter.  In addition, he opened his home to Arlene’s family and together he and his brother-in-law Harry learned the fine art of losing at the track but beating all the guys at poker. 

Odero and his family lived in Tenafly New Jersey for 42 years.  He discovered golf a little later in life but the game brought him and Arlene more good friends and many good times.  Odero and Arlene were asked to join Knickerbocker Country Club and, even with his late start, he was successful in winning several club championships and making four holes in one.

After retirement Arlene and Odero decided to move to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to be close to family. Odero loved living there: he thought it was paradise.  Like a good Italian he had a thriving vegetable garden and continued to speak Italian when given the opportunity.  He also made many good new friends and he continued to play golf and poker and have even more good times. 

Odero was a stand-up guy and will be sorely missed.  A celebration of Odero’s life will be held at a later date. 

Arlene asks everyone to please remember her Odero and to say his name when you do.

Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA.

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