Pettingill and Bradley’s inductions into the Norwich Athletic Hall of Fame bring the Class of 1963’s record total number up to 13 members. Pettingill played on offense as a half back, alongside Bradley and was also named to the 1962 WCAX-TV Vermont All-State Team.
Pettingill led Norwich in rushing yards during his senior season with 417 yards on 112 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He also scored four touchdowns to lead the Cadets. As a junior, Pettingill accumulated 366 yards on 88 carries. He also was a member of the Class Honor Committee and Skull and Swords.
“Norwich was a perfect fit for me,” Pettingill said. “I was very fortunate that I could play football and work in the mess hall as a freshman. I got to know everyone and we had a real close-knit community. It’s very special to be inducted along with a good friend, classmate and teammate in Alfred Bradley.”
Pettingill went onto a distinguished 20-year active-duty military career and retired in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours of Vietnam, one with the Fourth Infantry Division and the other with the Army Strategic Communication Command. He earned the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation medal with Valor, Joint Service Medal and the Combat Infantrymen’s Badge.
“My assimilation into the Corps of Cadets was so positive,” Pettingill said. “I got to meet members of every class with many of them being athletes in the different sports. It really made it me feel that much more comfortable. Norwich opened up my military career and meant everything to me. I can’t thank the school enough for preparing me for the military.”
Following his active-duty retirement, Pettingill continued his indirect service to the military by becoming a senior systems engineer for Horizon Technology, as well as serving as a US Air Force defense contractor.
He closed out his career becoming a physics teacher and ultimately served as the Pentucket Regional High School Science Department Chair in West Newbury, Mass.
He is married to his wife Sara and they have two daughters Diane and Jennifer. Diane has four children; Chad, Madison, Delaney and Chelsea. He also has one great grandchild, Hudson.
