New York, New York
As a young boy in Brooklyn, New York, Phil wanted to be either a policeman or a fireman when he grew up. He didn’t fulfill his dream of becoming a firefighter until he had tried an assortment of other jobs.
On September 11, 2001 he had been a member of the FDNY for almost eighteen years. To Phil the best part of his job was the camaraderie and the laughs at the firehouse.
Athletic since childhood, he played football, baseball, softball, ice hockey and golf. He was a huge Giants, Mets and Rangers fan. He coached his children’s baseball and soccer teams.
He enjoyed rock music and in particular Springsteen, Clapton, The Who, Mountain and Dave Mason.
Phil is survived by his wife and two children, parents, siblings and many loving nieces and nephews.
Tribute submitted by Thomas Petti.
Sports Enthusiast
A basement room in Lt. Philip S. Petti's home in Staten Island was filled with so much sports equipment that it looked like a locker room, complete with a treasured photo of him posing as a pro hockey player. An 18-year veteran of the Fire Department, Lieutenant Petti did play on a department hockey team — his mother, Catherine, said he joined the team "before he actually knew how to ice skate."
Though he did eventually learn how to skate — his daughter, Lauren, now 16, taught him — he never really learned how to play well. "I saw him play, and you know, he needed work," said his nephew Tim Schlittner. "As much as he loved it, he definitely needed some work."
But if Lieutenant Petti, 43, was anything less than content with his hockey skills, it did not stop him. "He had a wonderful disposition," his mother said. "He accepted whatever life handed him. His favorite expression was, `That's what it is; deal with it.'"
Besides, he was too busy to look for accolades. He continued to coach his church's soccer and baseball teams long after his daughter and his son, Philip, 18, outgrew their cleats. He had to plan for his sister Jacqueline Butt's annual Halloween party — one year he and his wife, Eileen, went as the Blues Brothers — and practice the Ed Norton-Ralph Kramden routine he had going with his brother Thomas, also a firefighter.
Their sister Adrian Foran said: "Hugs and humor. When you think of Phil, that's what you think of."
I was a dear friend of Phil in high school we always had a great time in bookkeeping class where we always finished our in class assignments way a head of the other classmates. His nick name Starky from the tv show starky and hutch. He was a great friend and I was deeply sad to learn of his passing on 9/11. I will always think and remember all the good times we had.
James Diodato
September 14, 2024 | School
I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the 9/11 stair climb multiple times. I was honored to be able to climb in Lt. Petti’s place. I one day hope to travel to visit the 9/11 memorial and show my gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of all those involved. May God bless your family, and his devoted servant Lt. Petti.
Marcus Sintic
February 15, 2023 | Acquaintance
20 Year Anniversary hard to believe. Living on the same block in Brooklyn will never forget you.
Denise Smith
September 10, 2021 | Staten Island, NY | Friend
9/10/2021 - Saint Louis, Missouri
To the Petti Family,
On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I thought I would share our story about Lt. Petti. Every year on 9/11 we have a memorial service and moment of silence at our corporate headquarters in Saint Louis, Missouri, by the flag and memorial plaque. The story of the flag is the one that I would like to share.
When we bought the building that is currently our corporate headquarters, the flag pole was...
Matt Carr
September 10, 2021 | Saint Louis, MO
Thank you Philip Petti !! I was honored to have been in your honor parade, as a representative from the USS Bainbridge (DDG 84). I have never forgotten you and will never forget the price you paid for us!! I have also shared the tie clasp I received during your calibration of life with my son Isaac and explained how I received it and asked him to wear it in memory of you and those who gave all. He stills wears it today every time he puts on a tie.
Eric Kraus
September 09, 2021 | Plymouth, WI
I just found out a year or so back that Phil died and it saddened me. I went to Power Memorial HS and graduated with him in 1976. There was about 175 in our class so we were all good friends. God Bless!
Ed Carroll
June 07, 2017
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
S.J. Friscia III
June 05, 2017 | Staten Island, NY
Ralph papalia
January 04, 2017
Sierra Sheda
September 28, 2016 | Klein, TX