Robert M. Petranoff

Robert M. Petranoff, 91, a long-time resident of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully January 11, 2017 at Copper Trace in Westfield, Indiana. Bob was born on October 11, 1925 to Dr. Theodore and Nell (York) Petranoff in Indianapolis. He graduated from Indianapolis Washington High School and Indiana University. Bob married Peggy J. (McIntyre) on November 27, 1948, who survives. Upon graduation from IU, he began a long career in communications and broadcasting at a radio station in Freeport, Illinois. He and Peggy soon moved to Bloomington when he became Program Manager of WTTS and WTTV. Bob played a key role with Sarkes Tarzian when Mr. Tarzian launched WTTV in the ’50s. At the time, it was the television station licensed to the smallest city in America. Petranoff also produced/directed the first-ever TV broadcast of an Indiana University basketball game in 1954. In 1957, Bob joined the Radio and Television Department Faculty of Indiana University, teaching courses in production and station management. During those years, he also produced radio and television programs for IU for distribution to commercial stations. In 1971, Petranoff then assumed a full-time position with the Indiana University News Bureau until his retirement in 1990. Additionally, he was an investor and part-owner of various broadcast ventures including, Monroe All-Channel Cablevision, Indiana Communications, Inc. that owned WBWB (Bloomington), and WKRY (Versailles). He is a long-time member of the Indiana Broadcasters Association, Broadcast Pioneers, Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and Indiana Football Hall of Fame. Long active in his church, Bob served in many capacities at First Baptist Church (First United Church) of Bloomington. He also served on the Boards of Monroe County United Ministries, Bloomington Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Monroe County Red Cross, IU Federal Credit Union, and volunteered with numerous other community organizations. An avid and talented photographer, he provided many photographic services for his Church as well as for friends’ weddings and special events. Survivors include Peggy, his wife of 68 years; son, Ted (Georgia) of Tucson, AZ; daughter Claudia Schenkel (Greg) of Indianapolis; two grandchildren, Doug (Carrie) of Las Cruces, NM and Laura (Keith) Johnson of Indianapolis and 4 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Naida Huber of Harrisburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, William and Charles. The family is very grateful to the entire staffs at Copper Trace and Heart To Heart Hospice for their loving care. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14 at First United Church in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to First United Church, 2420 E. Third St., Bloomington, Indiana 47401. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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Robert M. Petranoff

October 11, 1925 - January 11, 2017