Bobby Pietrangelo, an Abington/Willow Grove native, Eagle Scout, volunteer firefighter, musician, and decorated volunteer soldier for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was honored last week by U.S. Congress.
In spring 2024, Pietrangelo officially enlisted in the Ukrainian military and survived a drone attack in October 2024 that left him with a severe concussion and brain injury. He earned an Iron Cross medal for outstanding bravery. Glenside Local reported earlier this month that he was killed in action on Friday, January 3, in Pokrovsk, Ukraine. He was 23.
“I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a courageous advocate, passionate man of faith and service, and devoted son, partner, and friend–Robert (Bobby) Edward Pietrangelo,” Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said on Wednesday, July 23.
Fitzpatrick’s comments continue:
Bobby continued his devoted service into his young adulthood. In April 2022, Bobby traveled to Ukraine to support humanitarian relief efforts. On this noble mission, he initially assisted in rescuing and recovering the injured and deceased from bombed civilian areas, including a maternity ward. Working with the Believe Family Foundation, he became a combat life-saver trainer to provide aid and deliver medical supplies to the front lines.
In June 2024, Bobby courageously enlisted in the Ukrainian military– standing shoulder to shoulder with brave Ukrainian men and women to defend Ukraine. He was deployed to the front multiple times, even surviving a drone attack in October 2024, which left him with a severe concussion and brain injury. Despite this, Bobby returned to the fight as soon as he was medically able–once again showcasing his true determination and spirit.
In an effort to defend Pokrovsk from Russian invasion, Bobby gave his life to protecting the people of Ukraine. A true hero, he was a man who transformed his values into action–exhibiting resilience and valor in every chapter of his journey.
It is with profound respect that I honor Bobby’s memory. I send my heartfelt condolences to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Mom, it’s my duty. I must go,” he told his mother, Dana Fancher, on January 2, the Kiev Post reported. “They don’t fight out in the middle of nowhere. They just come in and take over. And I can’t let that happen.”
“We talked about, if you die, you will die in Ukraine, and I may never have your body back. And he said, ‘That’s okay. I understand,’” Fancher told the Post, adding that from an early age he was inspired by World War II veterans. “They were his heroes who didn’t worship football players or baseball players. He felt like the heroes were these men… These are the real heroes of the world.”
Mr. Pietrangelo attended Upper Moreland schools and graduated from Pennridge in 2020. He earned Eagle Scout status with Troop 354 in Hatboro when he was 17 and sang in the youth choir at Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown.
He served with volunteer fire companies in Silverdale and Souderton, and in April 2022, he joined an informal military group in Ukraine where he took on humanitarian missions.
“For 26 months, he transported supplies to the front lines of the war with Russia, taught lifesaving medical skills to others, and recovered the injured and dead from bombed-out areas,” his obituary said.
A memorial service and celebration of his life was held at 3:00pm Saturday, July 26, in Sellersville.
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Photos courtesy of Dana Fancher via Kiev Post