Henry Albert Petithory, 65, of Southborough passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1,2014 at his home. Born on September 26, 1949 to Albert and Tecla [Pia] Petithory, Henry grew up in Pittsfield, graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1967. He received his bachelor’s degree from Boston University’s School of Public Communication in 1971.
Henry was a loving and caring father who never missed an opportunity to support his children in their many school projects and adventures. He loved to spend time with his daughter, Ani, and her friends from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy. Henry was a dedicated Scouting volunteer. He and his son, Richard, participated in many Cub Scout and Boy Scout events together, including the Klondike Derby, a mid-winter outdoor camping event, on the coldest, iciest, weekend of the year. They cheerfully suffered through rain and snow on multiple occasions because they loved camping together and truly embodied the do-it-yourself spirit.
Henry’s father was a tool and die maker, and Henry was clearly influenced by his father’s ingenuity. Although Henry majored in communications, he also filed and was awarded several U.S. design patents in the biotechnology field. His career brought him much success working in communications, and product development.
He was always the cut-up of the group, ready with an inappropriate joke to share with his bored kids at some formal event. He was an avid bowler and whiffle-baller, was always improving his ant farm designs, and loved building hot air balloons that surely went on to result in UFO reports.
He was creative, inventive and imaginative. He loved to talk politics. He was generous and always willing to help a friend. His poker night buddies, Bob, Paul, Frank, Marty and John, the Mustache Club of America Club, have been his long-time friends from his early days in Boston.
Henry married Rita Ishkanian in 1976 and together they traveled to South America and Europe. Although their marriage did not last as long as their friendship, together they raised their children as a close family.
He is survived by his son Richard Petithory and his wife Heather of Melrose; his daughter Ani Petithory of South Hadley; his former wife Rita Petithory; his brother Lou Petithory and his wife Barbara of Cheshire; his sister Joanne Petithory and her husband Lee of Union City,CA; his nephew, Michael, niece, Nicole, his friend Elena, many cousins, and loving members of the Petithory and Ishkanian families.
Calling hours are at Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough, from 2-4 p.m. Monday, Oct., 6.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Henry’s memory be made to Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley, MA 01075.
To leave words of condolence to the family please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com.
(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)
