Donald Richard Pettit

Donald R. Pettit passed away Monday evening, the 13th of March 2023, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC after recently moving from Greenhurst, NY.

Don was born in Westfield, NY August 23, 1942 to Geraldine Mae Wester Pettit and Richard J. Pettit. The first years Don grew up with his maternal grandparents, August and Irene Wester, on a small farm in the Chautauqua Gorge where his love and knowledge of the outdoors was formed.

Don graduated from Brocton Central School, class of 1960. He was later married to Donna Rose Markham in February 1966 and they lived in Newton, NJ for 12 years before moving back to Chautauqua County.

Don retired from his landscaping business "Lawn Cuts" where he enjoyed working in the outdoors. His wide knowledge of the workings of machines and engines and everything else kept him busy with repairs and the maintenance of running his own business.

A self-proclaimed Jack-of-all-Trades, Don installed various updates to their home in Greenhurst, NY. He renovated two bathrooms and the kitchen (including custom built cabinetry) and even designed and built an elevator from the garage to the attic. Over the years he made various wooden tables, cabinets, desks, and shelves in his woodworking shop. He was no stranger to metal working either or tinkering with a Ford Pinto that he kept in the garage and drove to car shows later in life.

Don enjoyed fishing, canoeing, boating, camping, and cycling. He and Donna joined the New Jersey Wheelman's Club and he kept biking over the years including around Chautauqua Lake. In later years he would still bike around Greenhurst with a pole and fish from the docks.

Don was a lover of information and learning how things worked. Popular Science and Popular Mechanics were favorite magazines. His phrase "work smarter, not harder" would often be spoken. He looked for ways to help someone else wanting to share his talent. Be nice and "kill them with kindness" was also a motto he followed.

Mr. Pettit was proceeded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Donna Pettit; his two daughters Michelle (Keith) Gifford of Raleigh, NC and Cynthia (Tyler) Graf of Greensboro, NC; a half-sister, BethAnne (Carlos) Torres of Las Animas, CO and two grandchildren: Justin and Elizabeth "Betsy" Gifford of Raleigh.

A small informal memorial for the immediate family will occur at a later date.

Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.