Robert J. Peternel, 50, of New Bedford died Friday October 22, 2010 at home surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Suzy C. (Pimentel) Peternel.
Born in New Bedford, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
He was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
Mr. Peternel was employed as a Lieutenant for the Bristol County Sheriff's Department. He also also previously worked as a police officer in Yarmouth, as a security officer at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport, as a court officer in Barnstable and Bristol Counties, as a substitute teacher at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, and as a scallop fisherman.
He was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He was a Grand Marshall and Captain for the Relay for Life. He was an avid New England Patriots fan. He had been a volunteer in New York City with the Sheriff's Department after September 11, 2001.
He was a graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Survivors include wife; three children, Jodi Peternel, Robert "B.J." Peternel, and Colby Martin, all of New Bedford; his mother, Ann E. (Markey) Barlow and her husband Raymond of New Bedford; his father, Vincent J. Peternel and his wife Joan of Wareham; two sisters, Rosemary Leary of Simpsonville, SC, and Elizabeth Bottomley of Winter Haven, FL; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.