Robert (Bobby) Edward Pietrangelo - Unknown
Hometown: Hilltown, PA
County: Bucks
Date of Birth: Dec. 14, 2001
Date of Casualty: Jan. 3, 2025
Branch: Army
Rank: Unknown
Country of Service: Ukraine
Status: Killed In Action
BIOGRAPHY
It is with profound sorrow and immense pride that we honor the life of Robert (Bobby) Edward
Pietrangelo, who died a hero on January 3, 2025, while courageously defending Pokrovsk,
Ukraine from invasion.
Bobby was born on December 14, 2001, in Abington, Pennsylvania. From the very beginning,
his life was a miracle. Born with a normally fatal condition called hydrops fetalis, Bobby spent
the first five and a half weeks of his life in the neonatal unit. Doctors called him a miracle baby,
and his family has always believed that he truly was.
His mother, Dana Fancher, prayed that he would grow up to be healthy and strong enough to
make her laugh, test her patience, and bring her the joy and chaos only a beloved child can —
and Bobby did all of that and more. He had an extraordinary gift for humor and lightness, always
able to lift spirits and spark laughter, even in the darkest of times.
Bobby had a deep love for music as a student of Upper Moreland and a 2020 graduate of
Pennridge High School. He played trombone in elementary, middle, and high school, even
competing in jazz competitions alongside his classmates. Bobby was highly intelligent and was
accepted into the honors and gifted programs at Upper Moreland and Pennridge High School
which allowed him to take college courses at Bucks County Community College while still in
high school. A natural learner, he taught himself to play the trumpet as well. He knew the words
to every song, regardless of genre, and could always be heard belting it out as loud as he could.
Music was one of the many ways he expressed his vibrant soul.
Bobby also had a heart full of love — for his family, his friends, and for every animal he ever
met. Whether playing video games and watching movies with his brother or caring for animals
even while stationed in Ukraine, his compassion shone through.
He lived a life of service from an early age. As a proud member of Boy Scouts Troop 354, he
rose to the rank of Eagle Scout — a reflection of his dedication, perseverance, and leadership.
He also volunteered as a firefighter for the Silverdale and Perseverance Fire Company in
Souderton, Pennsylvania. Bobby was always ready to help others, no matter the cost.
In April 2022, Bobby followed a higher calling and traveled to Ukraine to aid in humanitarian
efforts. There, he helped rescue and recover the injured and deceased from bombed civilian
areas, including a maternity ward. He became a combat life-saving trainer and worked closely
with the Believe Family Foundation, providing aid and delivering medical supplies to the front
lines.
In June 2024, Bobby joined the Ukrainian military. He served with distinction, deploying multiple
times to the front. In October 2024, after surviving a drone attack that left him with a severe
concussion and brain injury, he was awarded the Iron Cross for Bravery Under Fire. True to
his character, he returned to the front lines as soon as he was medically able.
Bobby was deeply rooted in his faith. Before each deployment, he would ask his family,
girlfriend, and friends to pray for him. Whether or not they shared his beliefs, they prayed —
because Bobby inspired that kind of love and respect. His quiet strength and unwavering faith
brought others closer to God simply through the example he set.
In the early hours of January 3, 2025, Bobby and his dear friend, Jordan MacLachlan of
Scotland, stood side by side defending the approaches to Pokrovsk. Together, they fought with
unmatched bravery and gave their lives to protect the innocent. They fell together, brothers in
arms, heroes in every sense of the word.
Bobby had the heart, courage, and selflessness that few possess. He gave everything — not for
glory, but because he believed deeply in justice, in freedom, and in the dignity of all people. His
legacy is one of compassion, faith, laughter, service, and profound heroism.
Bobby Pietrangelo will be remembered always — not only for how he died, but for how he lived.
He touched countless lives with his kindness and left the world better than he found it.
May his memory be a blessing, and may we all strive to live with the courage and heart that
Bobby showed every day.
"Slava Ukraini" (Слава Україні!) translates to "Glory to Ukraine!" in English and is a Ukrainian
national salute. It is a symbol of Ukrainian sovereignty and resistance, and is the official salute
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The phrase is often accompanied by the response "Heroyam
Slava!" (Героям слава!) which translates to "Glory to the heroes!".
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bobby’s memory:
Believe Family Foundation
donorbox.org/bff-tccc-train-the-trainer
@believe_fam_fnd
R. T. Weatherman Foundation
@rtw_foundation
SPCA
@spca_international
Save Pets of Ukraine
@savepetsofua
Boy Scouts of America - Troop 354
@scouting.america
Perseverance Fire Company
@soudertonfire74
Silverdale Fire Company
@silverdalefirehouse59