Ronald Pettinger

Ronald Stuart Pettinger, died peacefully aged 90 at Forest City Nursing Home on 13th March 2024.

Ron was born on 20th March, 1933 in Gillingham, Kent, England. He was the eldest son of Walter and Florence Pettinger and brother to Peggy and Gordon. Family life and Ron’s childhood was rudely interrupted by the start of the second world war in 1939. As the daily German bombing raids became more intense in the towns and cities, Ron was one of thousands of young children to be twice evacuated to safety. The second time he was separated from his family for around four years. After the war ended, Ron was able to finalize his education at the local senior school where he did particularly well in technical subjects.

Aged 18, Ron was called up for National Military Service, still compulsory in 1950’s Britain. In 1951 he joined the Royal Air Force and after basic training was posted overseas including spells in Egypt and Cyprus. It was during this time that Ron gained the valuable training and experience in operating heavy earthmoving equipment that would stand him in good stead for his whole working life.

After completion of his military service, it did not take long for Ron to realize the opportunities that awaited him in the USA. Compared to post-war Britain, work was readily available and the expanding highway networks of the 1950’s and 60’s were ideal for utilizing the skills Ron had learnt in the RAF.

Ron soon found that the lifestyle and culture in America suited him well and in 1969 he bought a small farm just outside of Forest City. This was the place he was to call home for the rest of his life. Ron was naturally quite a solitary person, happy with his own company he was truly content with the peace and tranquility that the rolling countryside of rural Pennsylvania provided.

Ron never forgot his British roots however and for as long as he was able regularly travelled home for holidays and always kept in close contact with his family. His love of machines and vehicles kept him well occupied in his spare time and over the years Ron had a varied collection of vintage military vehicles which he maintained and restored at his farm. He also had a passion for steam railways.

During various trips to UK he enjoyed visiting preserved lines, learning to drive steam engines and was able to take to the footplate of some illustrious locomotives including the famous Flying Scotsman.

Despite being a very private person and never one to suffer fools gladly, Ron had a big heart and was a kind and generous man who over the years helped many of his friends in his own quiet and matter of fact way. In latter years, despite failing health Ron never lost his independence and determination to live life his own way.

Ron’s surviving family in England will always have fond memories of our Uncle in America. Ron, we will miss the transatlantic phone calls, your dry wit which brought to life even the most mundane of events, the letters written on your trusty old typewriter and your wide-ranging knowledge and wisdom on so many subjects. You will be forever in our thoughts, and you will always bring a smile to our faces thinking of you content, beer in your hand, looking over your beloved countryside.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City.

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