John Brewer Petter

John Brewer Petter, 91, died Monday, October 3, 2011 in Knollwood Nursing Home. He leaves his wife of sixty one years, Elizabeth (Geiler) Petter, and four daughters, Barbara Putnam of Southborough, MA, Elizabeth Thompson of London, England, Ann Petter of New York, and Carolyn Workman of Williston, VT and two grandchildren, Jack and Ella Workman.

Born in Amatol, NJ on March 17, 1919, son of Gladys Brewer and John Petter. He graduated from Texas Military Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and was a graduate of University of Virginia and its medical school, Class of 1943. He was a member of the Glee Club, and was made a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society in medical school. He was a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and Rotary International.

Following an internship in Cleveland, Ohio, Jack was a surgeon in the Army Medical Corps in World War II where he achieved the rank of Captain. He served in the 101st General Hospital based near Taunton England. He attended the Neurenberg Trials. Jack began his practice of thoracic surgery at the Veterans Hospital in Rutland, MA and soon moved to Worcester with his family where he served in all the Worcester hospitals throughout his career.

Jack enjoyed sailing, skiing, photography, especially of New England's covered bridges, travel, classical music, and jazz. He was tenacious about his love of life, and within this love, his family was the most important.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m Thursday, October 6 in All Saints Church, 10 Irving St. A private burial is planned for a later date. There are no calling hours.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Briarwood Retirement Community, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606, The Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609, or the charity of your choosing.

Caswell-King Funeral Home, 474 Grove St. is directing arrangements.