Obituary
view guestbook | sign guestbook

Carl A Pettengill III

Date of Death: November 27, 2021

Date of Birth: October 24, 1948

Biography:

CARL ALTON PETTENGILL III

Carl, known as Trippy to his family, passed away peacefully after a hard-fought battle with several medical challenges on November 27, 2021, with the love of his life, Kim, at his side. Born on October 24, 1948, to the late Carl Alton and the late Norma (Booth) Pettengill, Jr. He loved to tell everyone he was born in his grammy Pettengill’s bed on Angel Avenue in South Portland.

 A military brat, Carl spent his growing up years traveling between Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. He was a proud Camp Lejeune Devil Dog, graduating in 1967.

 At the end of January of 2011, he moved to Western Avenue in Augusta and met the girl next door. After getting stuck in his driveway and having that girl help shovel him out, they began going out for coffee and talking almost daily. Their first official date was to the Shrine Circus with dinner first at the Ground Round. They never missed a Shrine Circus until covid came along. The rest is history. Carl married that girl next door, Kim Leupold, on September 22, 2011. Life was not always easy, but he was devoted to her and she to him.

 Carl proudly served two years active duty in the US Army followed by seven years in the US Army Reserves. He continued to be a strong advocate for Veterans for the rest of his life. He was always ready to fight when he believed a Veteran was not getting the assistance they deserved, often going with them to the DAV at Togus or Senator Susan Collins’ Office in Augusta. He was Past Commander of the John F. McPherson Chapter 1, DAV, and a Life Member of the DAV. He was also a former member of the American Legion and the Kennebec County Honor Guard.

 For over 40 years, the month of December was devoted to playing Santa. He especially enjoyed Christmas parties for various units of the Maine National Guard and the parties held for military families at the Blaine House hosted by Governor Paul and Ann LePage. He loved seeing all the children! No matter how obscure the question, he always had an answer for each inquisitive tot. They would try to trick him but could never fool Santa Carl!

 He loved to hunt with his best buddies Tim and Timmy Culbert. Every weekend, from opening day to the end of November, would find him out somewhere with them. He wasn’t often successful in the hunt but loved being in the woods with those two.

 Carl would always say he wasn’t a Politician and didn’t like politics. However, he worked tirelessly for Republican candidates and in August, you could always find him working on and in the Kennebec County Republican Booth at Windsor Fair! It was his favorite Maine Fair.

And I’d be remiss not to mention Curtis Ayotte. The first time they met was very eventful - belly to belly. They became close friends, proving that people can agree to disagree and be good friends. Attending WWE events, working on campaigns and parades, watching Patriots games, getting cars ready for the demolition derby to raise money for the Travis Mills Foundation, meeting for breakfast, or hunting are just a few of the ways they connected and sometimes…maybe…got in a little trouble, too!

 He loved breakfasts at AHOP where the staff was fantastic with him and Sunday Brunch at the Senator. Anyone who knew Carl knew how much he loved food and how much he loved to cook, too.

 Kim would like to thank Dr. Edward Steele for his kindness and understanding during the years he treated Carl. The nurses on 3 North and the Hospice-Palliative Care Team while he was hospitalized at Togus. We are also grateful to the nursing staff at Oak Grove on the Jewett Unit in Waterville, especially Jamie, who was such a bright light during such a difficult time. There are no words to express how thankful we are that Beacon Hospice came into our lives. The care and support shown by this group made a huge difference in Carl’s end of life.

 He is survived by his wife, Kim Pettengill of Farmingdale, and Shih Tzu Emmi, who was his constant companion until entering Togus in March. Other family members include sisters Linda Pettengill of Freeport and Lee Pettengill of Texas, two nephews; sister-in-law Marcia Pykare (who truly knew when he needed a kick in the butt!) and her husband Bob of Monmouth, their son Josh, his partner Rebekah Wallace and their baby Zoey of Bath; brother-in-law Mark Bangs and his partner Joyce Rickett, special cousins Linda Maxwell of Scarborough and Betsy Maxwell of South Portland who have been so supportive over the years, and many other cousins.

 Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta in Section B on Friday, May 20, 2022, at noon. As per Carl’s wishes, a party will follow!

 At Carl’s request, please make donations to the Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Avenue, Suite 1, Manchester Maine 04351. This organization was near and dear to Carl’s heart.

 “I love you more”