George M. Pettinico, Jr.

George M. Pettinico, Jr., loving husband and father, passed away on March 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. George was born on June 18, 1968, in Waterbury, CT to George and Patricia Pettinico. He was a proud graduate of Cornell University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. While working at American Bank in Waterbury during his summer breaks, George met his future wife, Sandra (Perillo) Pettinico, and the couple wed in December of 1992. They welcomed two wonderful children, William Pettinico and Andrea Pettinico, in 1995 and 1999. George was a devoted husband and father who was so proud of his family. 

George was a hard worker who went on to earn two master’s degrees in order to further his career in marketing research. After a very successful 20-year career in business, George attended UMass Amherst, where he earned a PhD in Marketing. It was at that point that he was able to transition to his second career as an Associate Professor of Marketing at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH. Teaching at Plymouth State was George’s dream job. He was happy to be able to make a difference in the lives of business students, and even happier to have some extra time in the summer months to spend with family and friends at his home on Lake Winnisquam. He loved living in New Hampshire, hiking the trails, kayaking with the kids or with friends, tooling around on the lake, and listening to the loons. Sandy and the kids often got quite a laugh watching George mostly lose his daily battle with keeping the geese off of the lawn. He was very protective of the home that he tore apart and remodeled, largely by himself, for him and his family and friends to enjoy for years to come. His presence there will be missed.

Plymouth State University has lost a beloved educator. George was very student-focused and spent a lot of time in service to the business school and the university’s honors program. His dedication led him to be nominated for two awards this year, the Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award, as well as the Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Many of George’s students and colleagues supported his nominations for these awards, and George was truly honored by that.

In addition to his wife and children, George is survived by his father, Deacon George M. Pettinico, Sr. and his sister Robin Doyle and husband Jim Doyle, as well as in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Pettinico, and his sister, Laura (Pettinico) Lawson.

The mass honoring George’s life will be held at Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Oakville, CT on May 10, 2024 at 10 am.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the George Pettinico Memorial Business Scholarship at Plymouth State University, which can be sent to Advancement Services, MSC 50, 17 High St., Plymouth, NH 03264-1595 or give online https://give.plymouth.edu/pettinico.