Audrey Jean Pettineo

Audrey Jean Pettineo, born September 25, 1940 in Connersville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025 in Tequesta, Florida at the age of 84. She was the eldest of nine children; born to John T. Kleca and Elizabeth (Libby) Kleca (Donesec).

In her late teens, Audrey moved to New Jersey, where she met and married, Floyd Pettineo, the love of her life on September 1, 1962. Together they built a beautiful life in Rochelle Park, NJ, raising their three children. Audrey worked as a bookkeeper and was known for her dedication to her family and friends. After Floyd’s passing on January 1, 1987, Audrey continued to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life. She moved to Jupiter, FL in the late 1990’s and has made Jupiter her home for the rest of her life.

Audrey was blessed again when she met the second love of her life, Pete Hessian, June 2008, who has been an amazing and devoted partner, loving care giver and a second father to her children. {Thank you and love you Pete.}

The Audrey we knew was a firecracker, small and powerful. If she liked someone or something, you knew, and if she didn’t, well again, you knew it. Audrey was a fighter and had such a will to live. She survived so many illnesses, surgeries and treatments. We will always be amazed by her tenacity and not taking no for an answer.

A devoted Catholic and member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Jupiter, Audrey found joy in her faith and in the company of loved ones. She had a passion for dancing, cooking, decorating and yoga with her ladies. She especially cherished going on cruises, donating to her favorite slot machines with her partner Pete, and making sure Pete had his lunch every day.

Audrey is predeceased by her husband, Floyd Pettineo; her parents, John T. And Elizabeth Kleca and her siblings, Eleanor Reuther, Patricia Kleca, John T. Kleca, Jr. & Frank Kleca.

Audrey is survived by her partner, Peter Hessian; her children, Kim Pettineo Mangal of North Carolina, Robin Gunderman of Stuart, Florida and John Pettineo (Denise) of North Carolina; her grandchildren, Koren & Kylie Mangel, Ashlee Gear & Zachary Gunderman, and Caden & Caylee Pettineo; her great grandson, Karmyn Tassone; her sisters, Connie Bates & Mary McClintock; her brothers, Ted Kleca and Joseph Kleca (Jeannie) and beloved friend, Kristen Williams. {No words can describe the place in Audrey’s and our heart for your love.}

Audrey’s warmth and zest for life touched everyone she met. She was known for her infectious laughter and her ability to make friends wherever she went. Her love for her family and friends was boundless.

May Audrey’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 PM at St Peter Catholic Church, 1701 Indian Creek Pkwy, Jupiter, FL 33458. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Dementia Society of America or Autism Society of America.