Gale Franklin Pettygrove

Gale Pettygrove

Gale Pettygrove lived 91 meaningful years, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and a family who will forever be grateful to have called him Dad and Pop Pop.

Gale was preceded in death by his wife, Georgene; his son, Todd; and his son-in-law, Doug. He is survived by his children, Luanne (Dom), Jay (Jodi), Jill, and Brenda (Mark), who will carry his love and memory with them forever. He was also a very proud and loving Pop Pop to 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, each one a very special part of his world.

Gale’s life was filled with interesting stories (so many that he wrote a book), worship music, family gatherings, good food, laughter, and a strong faith that carried him through every season.

Gale’s faith was the foundation of his life. He lived for Jesus, shared God’s love with everyone he met, and showed through his actions what it meant to walk with kindness, grace, and a generous heart. His love for his family was fierce and unconditional. He treasured every moment spent together, and his entire world was measured in the joy and presence of the people he loved. To Gale, family was not just a part of life—it was the very greatest part.

He had a gift for making people smile, even in the most unexpected places. Whether he was in the hospital, sitting at a doctor’s appointment, or simply going about his day, Gale found a way to bring a little laughter to those around him. He believed in kindness, and he practiced it everywhere he went.

He will forever be remembered for blasting his worship music with the enthusiasm of a man who believed the whole neighborhood needed to hear the good news. He loved food of all kinds, and he firmly believed that no meal was truly finished until dessert had been served. He was definitely the person who always saved his fork—a small but meaningful reminder that the best was yet to come.

He loved laughing at his own jokes, playing with all the family dogs, fiddling on his iPad, filling his digital picture frame with as many pictures of family members as possible, begging to be taken on roller coasters, and watching sports especially never missing a game that Caitlin Clark was playing in. He was also thankful to live long enough to celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles winning two Super Bowls!

He was loved by many, far and wide, and made a lasting impact on the lives of so many people he met. His legacy will live on through his family who loves him so immensely and through the countless people whose lives he touched.

He always made everyone feel welcomed, loved, and valued. And always reminded us that joy can be found in the simplest moments, that kindness is never wasted, and that there is always room for dessert.

Gale is now in Heaven with his Savior, the best has come for him forever.