Douglas Patrick Pettengill

Douglas Patrick “Doug” Pettengill, 77, of Charlestown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 at 6:01 p.m. at Westerly Hospital from pneumonia following complicated health issues.
Doug was born on August 9, 1948 in Washburn, Maine to Calvin and Hilda Pettengill. He grew up alongside his two sisters, Donna and Darlene, with whom he remained close throughout his life. Holidays, birthdays, and family celebrations were important to Doug. The family gathered often, creating traditions and memories that spanned decades. Those times together — especially during festival season — were some of his most cherished.He carried his Maine roots, quiet strength, and deep work ethic with him wherever he went.Doug left Maine at just 14 years old, determined to make his own way in the world. He later graduated from North Kingstown High School and found his calling in trucking — a profession that remained one of the great prides of his life. With the support of his father, Calvin, he launched his first company, CV Pettengill, hauling potatoes and learning the business from the ground up.He later co-founded D&L Express with Linda, servicing restaurants throughout upstate New York with fresh seafood. For many years, they worked side by side, building their business through long hours, grit, and reliability. During that time, Doug drove coast to coast, hauling everything from California produce to casino tokens in Nevada. Trucking was more than a job to him — it was independence, responsibility, and a reflection of his unwavering work ethic.After 17 years in trucking and transport, Doug transitioned into the festival circuit, where he built what would become a well-known and respected name throughout New England. D&L Lobster became recognized for its famous lobster rolls and shore dinners. For more than four decades, Doug was a cornerstone of the Charlestown Seafood Festival, proudly serving his famous lobster rolls and shore dinners and becoming a familiar and beloved face in the community. In recognition of his 40 years of participation, he received three awards from the Governor of Rhode Island in his final year — a moment of great pride as he walked across the stage surrounded by family.Doug was also a long-standing presence at the Brimfield Antique Show in Brimfield, Massachusetts for over 30 years, and at the Woodstock Fair in Woodstock, Connecticut, where he operated his own booth for more than 25 years. Through consistency, integrity, and quality, D&L Lobster became a strong and trusted brand throughout New England.Doug was a loving father to Amanda, Dougy, and Jason, and a proud grandfather to Makayla, Abby, Erica, and grandchildren Jarrod, Ally, Alanna, Collin and his stepsister Abigail. He shared important chapters of his life with his former wives, Nancy and Linda. Linda was a significant part of his life; together they raised their children and built multiple family businesses. Doug believed in keeping family close, often employing relatives and creating opportunity for those he loved. Jason and Linda helped build the business from the ground up, truly making it a family legacy.Doug was also a devoted husband and partner to Tamara, who shared the last 12 years of his life. At heart, he was a true homebody. He loved being home — watching his shows like Young Sheldon and Law & Order, playing solitaire, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. He was a man of few words but deep thought. If you needed to talk, he would sit patiently and truly listen. He believed in working things out together. He supported Tamara and believed in her like no one else, just as she supported him fully in return.He was, above all, her best friend.Doug had an unmistakable laugh — full and undeniable — the kind that let you know he was in the room and in a good mood. It was the little things that made him happy, and his home was exactly where he wanted to be.Doug leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, trust, honor, and devotion to family. His name, his business, and his famous lobster rolls will not be forgotten.He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and proudly remembered.  Services will be private.  Arrangements entrusted to Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations Providence, RI. For online condolences kindly visit: Hillskeffington.com