Robert Lee Petrytus

Robert Lee Petrytus (Bob), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 82. He battled Alzheimer’s with courage and grace.

Bob was born on October 13, 1941, in Loup City, Nebraska, to his parents, Evelyn and Joseph Petrytus, he was the youngest of their three children. Bob attended Loup City High School and participated in both basketball and football. After his graduation, he entered the Navy in 1959 and served on the USS Ticonderoga as a ships supply man until 1962. His dedication to duty and service left a lasting impact. His son would later follow in his dad’s footsteps and would spend 20 years in the Navy.

On November 16, 1963, Bob married Sharon Ann Kowalski in Loup City, Nebraska. Their love story spanned six decades, and together they raised two children: James and Lee Ann. In 1966, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Bob embarked on a successful career.

Bob worked for a floor covering wholesaler before joining Longust Distributing, where he served as a credit manager for more than 30 years. His dedication, integrity, and fun-loving personality endeared him to colleagues and clients alike. Bob’s retirement marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on. His former colleagues commented that Bob had some interesting and unique ways of collecting money.

Bob and Sharon shared a passion for travel, spending time with family and friends, and hosting gatherings. Their home in Phoenix became a hub for reunions with fellow alumni from the 1959 graduating class of Loup City High School. Bob loved family reunions, polka dancing with his wife and granddaughters, hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards, and cheering for his favorite sports teams. His stories of annual company fishing trips, where he and his buddies Tom Kalkowski, Lloyd Kendall, and his brother Richard cooked up memorable meals, became legendary.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Sharon, their children James and Dianna Petrytus, Lee Ann and Jay Rivero, grandchildren Katie and Christian Simpson, Karly and Connor Bowen, Mike and Rena Bracke, Kathi and Ronnie Bishop and great-grandchildren Azaria, Joaquin, Ittai, Josias, Danika, and Daelyn. His brother Richard Petrytus, sister-in-law Rita Kowalski, brother-in-law John Kowalski, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends also mourn his passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Zaring, and cousin Darwin Lee.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church 16245 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:00AM.

Bob’s memory will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s research or a local veterans’ organization.