Lewis W. Pettit, 81 of Clearwater, FL died Saturday August 6th, 2011 at home with his loving family beside him.
Born on the eve of the Great Depression in 1929, Lewis was the son of a NY Long Island policeman and his Scottish wife with a wonderful brogue. At an early age his love of science began with growing crystals in the basement at home, studying their fascinating shapes and beauty. Excelling in school, he later earned degrees in chemistry and physics. Lewis was an avid reader on many subjects including science, philosophy, nature and Christianity and had a small library at home. Married to the love of his life, Patricia in 1952, Lewis was a devoted husband and loving father to his four children. After a 20 year career in the Army Chemical Corps which saw service in many parts of the US, Europe and Asia Lewis retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel to St. Petersburg. Post military employment included time as a realtor, microchip technician, building products chemist and finally as a chemical safety officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena’s Catholic Church, Largo.
Lewis is survived by his son, Richard Pettit of Clearwater, FL and his wife Elaine Pettit; son, John Pettit of Tampa, FL; daughter, Catherine Reese of Huntsville, AL and her husband Jeff Reese; daughter, Theresa Green of St. Petersburg, FL and her husband J. Patrick Green; six grandchildren: Nick, Mark, Heather, Harmony, Athena, Zoe; great granddaughter Ava; his sister, Jean Ann Sweeney and her husband Ray; sister-in-law, Gisela Melvin; and many nieces and nephews. Lewis is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Patricia.
A Funeral Mass for Lewis will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 16th 2011, at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1955 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL. Burial with military honors will follow at 1:30PM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charity of choice, in memory of Lewis W. Pettit.
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“Well done good and faithful servant. Because you have been trustworthy come and share your master’s joy”
Lew was 2 years ahead of me at Hempstead High School and at Hofstra College. I remember him as a focused leader, chairing the student affiliates of the American Chemical Society, but lost track of him after he left Hofstra. Like him, I served in the Chemical Corps, but for 2.00 years as a draftee. Sorry I didn’t find him sooner.
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