Obituary of Gerald P. "Guy" Pettalino

Gerald P. "Guy" Pettalino Watervliet- Gerald P. Pettalino, affectionately known by all as "Guy", passed away at his home in Watervliet on Sunday afternoon, October the 5th, surrounded by his loving family. He was 46 years young. Guy faced his battle against cancer with courage and perseverance. Gerald was born in Albany, NY to Robert "Al" Pettalino and Shirley M. (Brooks) Pettalino on January 29, 1968. In his youth he was raised in Latham where he attended local schools but his "whole life was Watervliet". Gerald was given his nickname when he was a baby. His mother use to ask him; "What's wrong Little Guy?" when he would get upset. Naturally with growth and maturity he grew out of "Little Guy" to just "Guy" and the name stuck with him ever since. One time when Mrs. Pettalino went to pick her son up from a friend's house she asked if "Gerry" was available when the boy answered the door. He simply said no. Puzzled at this and knowing her son was in fact there she asked a few more times. The boy said, "No, Gerry isn't here." After some thinking, Mrs. Pettalino then asked if "Guy" was there. The boy answered, "Oh yes here's here!" Guy had a lot of jobs. He was a truck driver for many years but his true passion was home remolding. He could fix anything, even cars. His father proudly stated he was "a jack of all trades". Guy was talented, smart and kind. He loved people and he loved helping people. Guy was known to go out of his way to help anyone. Survivors left to cherish Guy's memory include his loving and devoted parents, Al and Shirley Pettalino of Watervliet, his beloved daughter Danielle N. Pettalino of Schenectady, his brother Steven (Noreen) Pettalino of Westerlo, his nieces Nicole Baum Hussey and Jacqueline Baum, his nephews Karl Baum, Lukas and Liam Pettalino and a great nephew Nicholas Hussey. We find comfort in knowing Guy has joined loved ones in Heaven; his loving and supportive sister Sharon Ann Baum who passed away last year and his girl friend of 5 years, Nicole Cristo-Barenco who passed away just 3 weeks prior to Guy's passing. Funeral Services will commence at 10AM on Saturday, October 11th from the Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Avenue, Lansingburgh with Interment following in St. Agnes' Cemetery in Menands where Guy will be laid to rest next to his grandparents, Frances & Reginald Brooks. Guy will be reposing in the Chapel of the Riverview Funeral Home on Friday, October 10th. The Family will be present to receive relatives and friends from 4PM until 8PM. The family wishes to thank the Watervliet EMS for their assistance when Guy needed transportation between home and the hospital. A special thanks to the nurses and social workers with Rensselaer County Hospice for their kindness, attention and care given to Guy and his family. Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, October 10, 2014 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Funeral Service 10:00 am - 10:30 am Saturday, October 11, 2014 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Interment 11:00 am - 11:30 am Saturday, October 11, 2014 St. Agnes' Cemetery 48 Cemetery Avenue Menands, New York, United States 12204