Robert Pettegrew

This month, we are honored to shine a light on Bob Pettegrew, a distinguished veteran whose service and dedication have left a lasting impact. Born in 1936 in Columbus, Ohio, Bob’s early life was characterized by frequent relocations due to his father’s excellent job opportunities. Bob and his wife Hope ultimately settled down and spent 53 years in Peterborough, New Hampshire. 

Drawn by the excitement and opportunities it presented, Bob’s journey into military service began when he joined the Air Force. He was selected for the Air Force Security Service, where he underwent rigorous training that included a top-secret security clearance. Bob’s exceptional aptitude for languages led him to the prestigious Institute of Far Eastern Languages at Yale University, where he became a skilled Chinese Linguist. 

Following his training, Bob was assigned to the National Security Agency (NSA), one of the most secretive facilities in the United States, located just north of Washington, D.C. There, he honed his skills for three months before being stationed in Okinawa, Japan in 1958. During his time in Okinawa, Bob monitored Chinese military communications, utilizing his language expertise to record critical information. His work was vital to national security during a pivotal time in history. Bob was part of the US Air Force for a total of three years.

While serving overseas, Bob maintained a strong connection with his future wife, Hope, through letters. Together, they have built a beautiful family, including two daughters, Caroline and Annie, and five grandsons. Caroline lives in West Hartford and Annie in Westminster, Maryland. Bob and Hope have five grandchildren (all now young men). 

Bob’s professional journey continued after his military service. Part of his success was forming his own consulting company Robert Pettegrew and Associates. For over 20 years, he was a fundraising consultant to various non-profit organizations and large corporation. Throughout his career, Bob’s love for New England remained strong, and he eventually found his way back to the region he cherished.

Bob and Hope Pettegrew just celebrated 64 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. They now reside at Avery Heights, close to their daughter Caroline. 

Bob’s life story is one of service, dedication, and love. We salute him for his contributions to our nation and to his family. Thank you, Bob, for your service and for being an inspiring member of our community.