Michael A. Petti

NAPLES, Fla. Dr. Michael A. Petti, well-known in Cleveland as a physician, teacher and writer, died Sept. 4, 2008, at Naples Community Hospital in Naples. He was born in 1915, in Brockton, Mass., and graduated from Brockton High School, Dartmouth College (cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine. During World War II, he served as a physician in the U.S. Navy for four years and became lieutenant commander. He spent much of his time with the Sea Bees, with whom he made three beachheads on the island of Bougaineville in the Solomon Islands, the Admiralty Islands and Okinawa. Following his retirement from the Navy and after further training, he started his practice in Cleveland in 1949 and was appointed to the staffs of the University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University Medical School, where he became clinical professor of medicine. He founded Cleveland Physicians, Inc., of which he was president, and was one of the founders of the University Suburban Health Center in South Euclid, Ohio. He was a member of many medical societies and wrote syndicated material extensively for newspapers throughout the world. He was a radio talk show host in Cleveland. When he was asked how he found the time for all his activities, he said, "I dont play golf." Following his retirement in 1982, he remained in Cleveland, but moved to Naples in 1987. He remained active with his teaching, lecturing, writing for newspapers and serving on various committees and on the board of directors of Moorings Park, the community where he lived in Naples. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marion; and by three siblings, Charles, Amy Hustler and James. He is survived by his three sons of a former marriage, Michael (Deborah), Richard (Lynne), Robert; sisters, Geneva Smith and Rose Andrews; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. His family will miss his love and compassion. A memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at the Bower Chapel at Moorings Park in Naples. Donations may be made in his name to the Moorings Park Foundation, 120 Mooring Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105.