Edward T. "Teddy" Pettine

Edward T. "Teddy" Pettine, age 72, of Swansea, MA and Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Travers) Pettine.

Born in Fall River, Ted was the son of the late Edward I. and Constance R. (Blanchette) Pettine. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in psychology from Bridgewater State University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts Law School.

Ted had a distinguished career as both an attorney and educator. He served as a teacher and department head at Bishop Connolly High School and a teacher and guidance counselor at Joseph Case High School. He also coached the Bishop Connolly tennis team to a state championship in 1977, led the mock trial team, and served for many years as a soccer referee. Additionally, he spent over two decades as a lifeguard at Baker’s Beach, Elephant Rock, and Horseneck Beach.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ted was a devoted fan of the Boston Celtics, Green Bay Packers and Juventus FC. He was an avid golfer and tennis player and enjoyed participating in bocce leagues in both Swansea and Sarasota. He was a summer fixture at Baker’s Beach and cherished his Florida days on Siesta Key Beach. Passionate world travelers, Ted and Karen’s adventures included cruising along Alaska’s coast, exploring Italy, Greece, the Nordic countries and the Netherlands, catching a soccer match in Brazil and fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting the Galápagos Islands.

In addition to his wife, Ted is survived by his children: Jason Pettine and his wife Yasmina of Swansea, and Laura Kilmer and her husband Brett of Milford, NH; his step-sons: Mitchell Travers of Los Angeles, CA, and Ryan Travers of Somerville, MA; and his beloved grandchildren: Harris Pettine, Katelynn, Ashley, Charles P., and Mya Kilmer. He also leaves behind his cherished “fur babies,” Addie and ZoZo; his siblings: Thomas Pettine and his partner Deborah Rodrigues of Somerset, Linda Pettine of Swansea, and Michael Pettine of Swansea; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Anne Marie Pettine.

His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM.

Contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea, MA 02777.