Robby Petto

Through the life of Robert Antonio Petto IV, we are reminded that each day is a gift to spend with those we love. He taught us that joy can be found in the simplest of things and that there is little value found in material wealth and possessions. Robby was a delight to his family in every way and a true fighter through and through. Why some are given decades in which to compose their life’s song while others are given far less will forever remain a mystery. Although Robby’s time here ended much too soon, the impact he made in the lives of those around him was no less significant. Life will never be the same without him here, but his spirit will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of his loved ones.

The 1990s were truly the electronic age with the birth of the World Wide Web in 1992 and computers that were becoming part of our homes in record numbers. The economy was booming, which led to a low unemployment rate and a bright future as a nation. It was just as this decade dawned that a young couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was overjoyed to discover that they were expecting a baby after having been married a short time. They waited with great anticipation, and it was on December 29, 1990, that their baby boy was born.

Robert Antonio IV was the oldest of three children born to his parents, Robert III and Sunday (Abrams) Petto. His parents often joked that he was born with a lunchbox in his hand as he weighed in at a whopping ten pounds, one ounce, and he was twenty-four inches long. Robert’s father worked in a local factory while his mother was in accounting at Western Michigan University.

It was easy to see that Robby, as he was usually known, was the apple of his parents‘ eye. He was very advanced for his age, walking late in his eighth month and saying words like “mom,” “dad,” and “milk” at a young age as well. Robby also exhibited very advanced fine motor skills as he figured out how to unscrew the air duct vents. In fact, he even thought he could work the computer as a young tot!

Life changed in an instant when Robby suffered a brain aneurysm that required surgery. Complications arose while in surgery as he even died on the table. They were able to get Robby back, but he suffered a catastrophic loss that he was never able to recover from. He spent two months in the hospital at U of M, but his parents were filled with unspeakable joy to later bring him home. Robby was his parents’ miracle baby who was never supposed to make it through the night after being put into a medically induced coma, but make it he did. He was a true fighter who went far and above the expectations that everyone had for him. Robby was never a burden but a blessing each and every day.

Eighteen months after Robby was born, the Petto family grew to include Kylie, and when Robby was ten their family was completed with Connor’s birth. Sunday left the workforce to focus her attention on caring for Robby, which was such a blessing in their family. His siblings regularly read to him, and they watched and sang the songs from the Disney shows, too. For some time they loved playing games as a family when Robby used a switch to play. Dogs and cats were always a regular part of the Petto home, and Robby loved them all, especially when the little puppies would jump up on him.

Although Robby had serious challenges his family was forever doing what they could to bring happiness into his life. He had the development of somewhere between a nine and twenty-four month old and also suffered with a seizure disorder throughout his life. For some time Robby was part of the Early On program, and when he turned three he began attending Croydon where he remained for two years. From there he went to Allegan County Developmental Center. Robby always enjoyed the interaction that these experiences brought into his life.

It was easy for Robby’s family to tell what he loved. He was so happy when he was surrounded by a ton of people, especially when all the attention was on him! When Robby heard his name it brought an instant smile to his face - except for when his therapist said his name since he always pretended he was asleep then! He was mesmerized by music and all the singing that came along with Disney shows and movies, but his all-time favorite movie was The Goofy Movie. Robby also enjoyed other shows that centered on music like the The Wiggles and Barney, in addition to Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Backyardigans. Basically, anything on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon he enjoyed. Robby loved swinging on his special swing, being on a boat, and being in the water as he loved walking in the water for as long as his health allowed. When he was little, he enjoyed being pulled in a trailer behind the bike. Although his health challenges didn’t allow Robby to travel too far from home they did take shorter trips, and on one occasion they went all the way to Georgia to see his grandfather. He was able to eat food until he was three, but he then needed a feeding tube for the rest of his life. However, Robby’s sweet tooth remained intact, and he always loved suckers.

In many ways Robby was all boy. He loved being sticky and messy, and when it came to some of his favorite toys he was always drawn to things that vibrate or make noise. Robby laughed and laughed when he was being rough-housed on, and although he couldn’t follow sports much he always showed his support by dressing in Red Wings of U of M apparel for the games.

As much as he loved all things boy, Robby also had a more gentle side. When he was younger he was always carrying around some sort of bear or “stuffy” including a Jumping Joey until he was seven or a sock monkey. Robby was know to carry his animal tucked under his arm twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He also loved to snuggle and having people run their fingers through his hair. Of course Robby always had a huge grin whenever anyone kissed him, and he also loved being lightly scratched, especially on his head. He was a natural born night owl who never really slept through the night.

Expressive, loving, and jovial, Robert Petto IV was a true gift in every way. He inspired all who knew and loved him, and his joy was easy to see, even when life was so very hard. Robby will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Robert Antonio Petto IV died August 26, 2013. Robby’s family includes his parents, Rob and Sunday Petto; 2 siblings: Kylie and Connor Petto; grandparents: Julie Abrams; Gene (Sherry) DeRuyscher and Robert II (Janet) Petto; aunts and uncles: Jody Kaiser, Jeremy (Julie) Morris, Kelly (Pamela) Bothwell; great-grandmother, Mary Chappell; and many cousins. Visit with Robby’s family and friends on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900 where services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo. Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.