Andrew F. Petitti, Jr. passed on to the 19th hole on Sunday, December 10, 2023, leaving behind a life full of family and adventure. His people loving nature was best known when he was enjoying friends and family—telling his stories, poking some fun, or challenging them to a polite wager, bets that he would often excuse if he won. He loved being with people and found clever ways of being with them.

Andrew’s interest was easily piqued and his curiosity led to a lifetime of experiences pursued with passion and determination. That interest, combined with his motto, “Well what do you have to lose?” led him into many endeavors, while his desire for success paved the way for a life of accomplishment. It was a fearless combination.

He traced his success to his first job as a urine bottle washer at Brigham Hospital where he was determined to be the best one ever, and legend has it that he was. From there he went into the Air Force before beginning a career buying and building apartments, which catapulted him into other opportunities like owning a nightclub, a bar, and two restaurants. His joie de vivre nature even lead him into theater where he wrote and produced “Buzzard Gulch” and “Rosie O’Grady’s Blind Pig Saloon,” two musical productions sadly overlooked by the Tonys. He was an entrepreneur through and through and found the fun in every challenge.

It was his playfulness that inspired him to become a church organist, guitarist, banjo player, Irish tenor, sailor, pilot, skier, tennis player, chess player, astronomer, and an avid golfer. He was famously known for carding 373 rounds of golf in one year!

Andrew held a soft spot for underdogs and believed that with a chance and hard work, everyone could reach their dreams. He was very generous and unflinchingly gave to charities. Few walked away empty handed when they approached him with a need.

When asked what made him most proud, Andrew would answer “my family,” and he passed on his optimism, resilience and determination to his children and grand-children. These values and his generous spirit, continue his legacy of success. He would hold up his children, Katherine Sobel, Kevin Petitti, Anne Spitza, Linda Barnard, Andrew Petitti 3rd, Joe Petitti, Julie Silva and Zachary Petitti, to impress on others his loving pride and he extended that joy to their spouses. Andrew was gladdened to see their success passed onto his grand-children, Stephen Sobel, Patrick Petitti, Jason Sobel, Nicole Weiland, Kristina Petitti, Ryan Petitti, Joe Barnard, Bridget Tremblay, Juliet Thomas, Josh Silva, Hannah Petitti, Andrew Spitza, Frankie Spitza, Alexa Williams and Brian Williams; and he believed it would live on in his great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Olivia, Joseph, Owen, Cameron, Scarlet, Maggie, Annabell, Maisey, and one to come soon, God willing.

Andrew will be forever remembered by his long-time companion MaryEllen Corey and her family, who offered him acceptance and grace. His remaining brothers and sister, Richie Petitti, Martha Malloy, Bobby Petitti, and Ken Petitti, hold a heart filled with his memories.

He was a faithful Catholic who enjoyed mass weekly and he will be welcomed into heaven by his previously deceased loved ones: his mother and father Julia and Andrew Petitti, Peggy Petitti his wife, Joe Petitti his son, and David Petitti his brother.

Andrew was a legend in many respects and found the fun and story in every challenge. His adventurous life leaves him remembered as an unforgettable, larger-than-life character who wanted to do good for those he loved. That would make him smile.

Rest in loving peace Dad.

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Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, December 15th at St. Agatha Parish, 432 Adams St., MILTON at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will be private. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, December 14th at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON SQUARE from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Andrew may be to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481: www.curealz.org