Robert R. Petrucelli

Robert Rocco Petrucelli of Sun Lakes, AZ and Easton, CT – dedicated father, brother, grandfather, uncle, loyal friend, and loving husband to the late Nancy Babs Delvecchio Petrucelli and Natalie Keeker Petrucelli, died on February 15, 2024 at the age of 92 at his home surrounded by the love of his family.  Bob was born in Bridgeport, CT on November 24, 1931 to the late Rocco and Mildred Petrucelli.  He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep, attended Yale University for two years and graduated valedictorian of Fairfield University class of 1954 where he was president of his class, editor in chief of The Stag, member of the Honor Society, the Glee Club and Debating Club.  Bob had a strong work ethic starting as a young boy, delivering papers early in the morning for the Bridgeport Post.  He paid 75% of his college expenses with his earnings.  Bob was then awarded a full scholarship to Georgetown Law where he received his J.D in 1957.

He married his great love, the late Nancy Babs Delvecchio Petrucelli in 1964 and made their home in Easton, CT.  Together they had two children, Joan (Joanie) and Rob.  Bob was an accomplished lawyer in private practice most of his career.  In 1975 he became an assistant prosecutor in the Connecticut court of common pleas, and appointed President of the University of Bridgeport Italian Scholarship Committee. His true love was being in the courtroom, commanding the stage. 

Bob did it all, he was an actor, avid joke teller, wrote and published his first book in 2009 and was a popular lecturer on several Princess Cruises, traveling the world with friends and family.  Bob gave a gift to all of us years ago when he wrote a memoir of his childhood and family growing up in a four-family house on Brooks Street in Bridegport, CT.  Bob will never be replaced or duplicated. He was simply one of a kind.  Always with a smile, a big laugh, and an even bigger heart. He has taught us all how to live, love, laugh and be kind. 

His beloved Babs passed away in 1994.  He was peaceful knowing Babs was there with open arms ready to dance up a storm, it warms our heart knowing Bob and Babs are reunited after almost 30 years. In 2007, Bob followed his daughter from CT to AZ where he made his home in Sun Lakes for the past 17 years.  He married Natalie Keeker in 2013; she passed April 2023.

He was surrounded by the love of his family and survived by his children and their spouses; Joan Petrucelli Saunders (Rod Saunders) of Phoenix, AZ, Rob Petrucelli (Melinda Petrucelli) of Fairfield, CT, his grandchildren Ryan and Bella Petrucelli, Gavin and Garrett Saunders, his sister Arlene Mayernik of Stratford, CT and nieces and nephews and cousins. Bob leaves quite the legacy and will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Road, Sun Lakes, AZ.