Carl Louis Petelle Jr.

Carl Louis Petelle Jr., 84, of Brentwood, California, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, surrounded by love, with his youngest daughter, Carla McIntosh, and her husband, David, by his side.

Born on March 2, 1941, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Carl Louis Petelle and Helen (Peck) Petelle, Carl lived a rich life filled with family, adventure, hard work, and enduring love.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 49 years, Betty, who passed on August 16, 2023; his sons, David Willson (July 14, 1959 - February 20, 2023; surviving wife Loddie) and Timothy Willson (September 6, 1960 - March 28, 1973); and his sister, Carol Nute.

Carl is survived by his seven daughters: Carla McIntosh (David) of Brentwood, CA; Alison Petelle of Rio Vista, CA; Verna Willson of San Jose, CA; Leanna Rose (David) of Merced, CA; Elizabeth Arellano (Samuel) of Snohomish, WA; Lisa Nilli (Steve) of Crestwood, KY; and Christina Petelle of Hurst, TX; his two sons: Robert Ewen of Gallatin, TN, and William Petelle (Karen) of Murfreesboro, TN; his brother, Walter Petelle of Austin, TX; and his sister, Kathleen Petelle of Eddyville, KY.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 21 grandchildren: Felicia, Danielle, Diana, Victoria, Stephanie, Tyler, Ashley, Timothy, Melissa, Travis, Derek, Jared, Hunter, Kyle, Christopher, Samantha, Aaron, Wyatt, Madison, Charlotte, and Dylan; 20 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A devoted husband and father, Carl dedicated over 30 years to his career as an engineer at Lockheed Martin while he and Betty poured their entrepreneurial spirit into running The Horseshoe Club in Santa Clara, California, for 19 years. Together, they created a warm gathering place that welcomed friends and family with open arms.

An avid sports enthusiast, Carl enjoyed wrestling, baseball, football, golf, and more. He had a keen eye for collecting treasures, spending joyful weekends scouring the Capitol Flea Market and local shops for unique finds. He and Betty cherished traveling together whenever possible. After retiring from Lockheed Martin and closing the club, they settled in Madisonville, Kentucky, to savor their golden years.

Following Betty's passing, Carl moved to Brentwood, California, to live with Carla and her family, who cared for him with deep love until his final days.

Carl will be forever remembered for his profound love for Betty, his unwavering dedication to family, and his generous, kind-hearted spirit. His life exemplified hard work, devotion, and the quiet joy found in life's simple pleasures.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.