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O'Neil Petty Obituary
O'Neil "Neil" Petty
April 5, 1974 - March 31, 2023
AUBURN - O'Neil "Neil" Petty, 48, died in the arms of his wife and two sons on March 31, 2023 following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of stomach cancer.
Neil was known for his brilliant smile, his infectious laugh, his passion and constant positive outlook on life and his willingness to help anyone in need. He touched the lives of everyone he met, making his loss that much more difficult.
Neil was born on April 5, 1974, in Newark, NY. He moved to Auburn as a child, grew up here and graduated from Auburn High School. It's also where he chose to establish his life with his wife and sons.
Neil loved working with kids. He attended barber school, got his license and then became a vocational teacher of barbering at Finger Lakes Residential Center for boys. He became a role model for many of the students he taught.
Known for being a big kid himself, he was always coaching his sons' basketball and football teams. And he'd travel any distance with any child or whole team, to get them to a game.
Neil has a lifelong love of music and entertaining and his many "personalities" made us laugh.
He loved Jaime, Alecs and Jaydn. And whether they were vacationing, fishing, attending an event – or just hanging out at home, Neil was grateful for every minute spent with them.
Next to his family, Neil's biggest passion of all was to make and see others happy. He had a heart like no other and will be missed beyond measure.
Neil is survived by his mother, Gloria Coleman; his wife, Jaime Petty; sons: Alecsander Dantuano and Jaydn Petty; sister, Hiawatha Smallwood; step sisters: Carrie Harden and Michiel Ivey; step brother, Jonathan Ivey; father and mother-in-law, Scott and Annie Hess; sister-in-law, Jody Humphrey; and brother-in-law, Adrian Humphrey; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Neil was predeceased by his father, Willie Ivey and niece, Lyndon Humphrey.
A private service will be held for family and there will be no calling hours.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of support they've received and will attend the benefit organized by family friends on April 16, 2023. It's there they want to celebrate Neil's life with all who loved him.
Since today, April 5, is Neil's birthday, the family is asking those who loved him to honor him by doing something in his memory. Think about what Neil meant to you and do something special to honor that relationship and the memory of a wonderful human who touched the lives of so many.
Arrangements are through Pettigrass Funeral Home.
Memories and Condolences
for O'Neil Petty
Sponsored by Pettigrass Funeral Home.
Bobbie Dumas Panek
April 19, 2023
Dear Hess family,
I am sad to learn of the passing on Neil. My heart goes out to each of you.
With my deepest sympathy,
Bobbie Dumas Panek
Yolanda Powell
April 12, 2023
My condolences to Petty´s family. I worked with him at FLRC. He was such a bundle of energy and the kids truly connected with him. My favorite memory was "debating" with him about a cartoon. He was right! And I want to remember those silly but fun times.
Beverly Ellis
April 8, 2023
Dear Jamie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked when I read of Neil´s passing and I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Beverly Ellis
Carrie
April 8, 2023
Too much to say, but please know Michiel Ivey; Jonathan Ivey, and Cody Lott were blessed to share our father with him. He was our eldest brother.
Sending love and comfort out to all.
Sharon Brown LaPorte
April 7, 2023
My Sincere Condolences to the Family. May you find comfort knowing that Neil will suffer no more! God bless and strengthen all who Love You! Rejoice in Paradise Neil. Sharon Brown LaPorte
Adelia Ford
April 7, 2023
I will never forget Neil always smiling. Growing up together, and being in art class together. Praying for the whole family. My deepest condolences.
Marge&John Cereo
April 6, 2023
Jamie and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all
Latif- Bruce McIntyre
April 6, 2023
The original Rap Duo. More like a brother than a friend. Almost like Bruce & Neil was 1 name, 1 Person. There is a lifetime of memories we have together. I think we invented Drawn on Mustaches with eye liner. My deepest condolences goes out to all of his family.
Brittany Rabuano
April 6, 2023
Neil, your memory and infectious smile will live on forever. Always a great friend, who loved and cherished his wife, his family, his friends and his community.
Support & love to the Petty family. Jaime, Jaydn & Alec´s you all are so very strong.
Keya Love
April 6, 2023
I'm going to miss my friend RIP
Love you man
Cherry Love-Duncan
April 6, 2023
My condolences to his Family and mother, also his sister God's Blessings to you all
Marvin Tillman
April 6, 2023
Your memory is my keepsake, With which we'll never part, God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.
Tia M Gilliam
April 6, 2023
my sincere condolences to your entire family jamie, may god continue to give you comfort in this time of breavement , Neil was an All American guy who was loved and respected by so many.
Mary Driscoll
April 6, 2023
Dear Jamie,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and always.
Ryley Shackleton
April 5, 2023
I went to barber school with Neil in 2014. He was a great barber and even better person. I´ll never forget the advice he´d give me and my friends. Rest in peace Neil, you left an impact on a lot of lives. So sorry for his family´s loss.
Katherine Stokes
April 5, 2023
To the Family, My Deepest Sympathies and Condolences. I Would Like To Thank God Blessings Us With Neil. He Was a Beautiful Soul. A Light to Darkness. Laughter to Sadness. He Will Truly Be Missed . REST IN PARADISE MY BELOVED FRIEND
Chianti
April 5, 2023
Sorry for ya loss (rest in paradise Neil) love Chianti(egg) & family
Andrea Tarolli
April 5, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dale Antonik
April 5, 2023
Jaime, Jaydn and Alecs,
So sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Cherish the time spent together and the memories that you made. Thinking of you all at this time.
Fran Dantuono-Morse, Bob Morse
April 5, 2023
Dear Jaime, Alecs, Jaydn, and all of Neil´s family,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. He will always be in your hearts, always loved, and always missed
Crissy Morris and Family
April 5, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Patricia SMART
April 5, 2023
Neil will be dearly missed. I remember how he was always so kind in school and always had a smile.
Amanda McKeen
April 5, 2023
Man O´Neil.. where to even begin! From school days to friends on the outside of school.. all hanging out being fools and just straight out Kids/Adolescents.. older teenagers to now adults! You were then and remained the Most Infectious, Loyal, Beyond Caring , Dedicated, Humerous Friend! Never mattered either how much time had passed since we would run into one another... you never let that moment go by to come up and give me a Hug and Say " Damn Manda, It´s so good to see you, what´s good with you" . And us just reminisce for a minute" Then we just spoke for awhile on the phone because you wanted me to be a part of your movement and help with the page, and ideas and Spreading the real meaning to your Movement! I´m committed to doing just that more than ever.. in your honor my friend! This world Lost one Hell of a Man and Warrior! A true gift to us all but now Heaven´s Angel that is now our Angel! Rest Peacefully and know that Everyone that loves you will be sure to make sure your beautiful wife and boys will be ok! Of all the years I was never honored to meet your beautiful wife in person but I know she is one hell of a Woman herself along with your boys! My Deepest and Most Sincerest Condolences and The Biggest Hugs to them!
Natalie Richardson
April 5, 2023
He was the nicest young man. It's Bern years , but, I remember him from oakcreek. God Bless his family. Sincere Condolences.
Ashley Moore
April 5, 2023
I am and forever will be thankful for you .. for treating Tiana & Julian & I like family for many years. You & Jaime & your children and family will forever be in my prayers. You were a great man! Much love
John Henry
April 5, 2023
I knew O'Neill from working at Cayuga Centers years ago. He was a great man, and he left us us way too soon. May the wonderful memories he left comfort his family.
Aymee Long
April 5, 2023
Many hugs and love to you all! Neil always had a smile on his face and loved to make those around him smile. I will forever remember his goofiness.
Planet Fitness
April 5, 2023
Neil had a presence about him that left a positive impact on everyone he came in contact with. The staff and members of Planet Fitness have been forever touched by his infectious personality. Neil brought an energy and a light into the gym like no other. He will be greatly missed by all.
Miguel Martinez
April 5, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. From Naomi & Miguel Martinez.
Candice Burton
April 5, 2023
My Dear Friend....I want to go back to Malone Village....When you Had That Football Poster on your wall and you Knew I was scared of that poster. Yall would Always Call me upstairs to Trick me Cause That poster was the First Thing I Would see. Lol, We were kids then. Now we have kids of our own. Families. Neil, I'm going to miss you. You were a spark, a flame and many were moths to you. I know your in a better place, watching and becoming the angel you always have been on earth. It's just memories until we meet again. ....Sincerely, Candice Burton & Family.
Barbara Vincent
April 5, 2023
O´Neil was a treasure. He was that special man who had a huge heart and was willing to show the rest of us what kindness really means. I knew him decades ago when I was a librarian at AHS. Early on, it was O´Neil who reassured me that I belonged there when I seriously doubted that. He had a sweetness and gentleness about him that I treasure to this day. God bless him and all of us whose sadness binds us at his death. I send prayers for him and love to you from South Carolina in retirement.
Gidge Martinez
April 5, 2023
You will be missed young man. Life long friend.
Love Gidge!
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