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BORN
1930
DIED
2015
Richard Petty Obituary
January 9, 1930 - February 9, 2015
Resident of San Jose
Dick Petty passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015 at the age of 85. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Joan, with whom he shared 57 happy years, 3 children ; Thom Petty of Orange County, CA, Susan Petty Brooks of Kent, WA, and Jennifer Petty Tonkinson of Fresno, CA, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren .
He graduated from and played football for USC and was part of the 1954 Rose Bowl championship team. He proudly served as an officer in the US Marine Corps. Dick was a much-respected coach and teacher for the Campbell Union H.S. Dist. He enjoyed being physically active and encouraged others to do the same. He especially enjoyed water-skiing, running and football. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. No services will be held.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Petty
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Lynne
February 7, 2021
It is a true testament to the power of Uncle Dicks love, support and how he truly was present when he spent time with you, his legacy of such caring, giving of time impacted me in my growing years, the times he shared with my children and I am so grateful for his love. You are forever loved Uncle Dick, Lynne, and family.
June 2, 2015
I will miss Uncle Dick, he always had time to play and listen. His fun loving, active and caring ways were also shared with my children and we all hold such treasured cherished memories of our time with him and Aunt Joan. He was a great uncle, literally and in name sake. Prayers, hugs and much love to all of you! Lynne, Jessie & Nick.
April 1, 2015
Coach Petty was a great guy. I was a mediocre football but he still treated me with respect and encouraged me to improve. He was proud of his students' accomplishments on and off the football field. My mother worked in the Leigh High School cafeteria and Coach Petty was always one their favorite teachers because he was so friendly to all the workers. Dick Petty was a great educator and a wonderful human being.
Chuck Bachman, Leigh High School Class '75
Michael Parks
February 19, 2015
As a confused teenager in high school he really made my experience there a lot easier. My condolences to his family
Charles Campbell
February 19, 2015
I was very saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mr. Petty. I knew him growing up in San Jose and will always remember his warm smile and his family's hospitality. My family's thoughts and prayers are with the Petty family during this time of remembrance. Semper Fi
Brian Riley
February 18, 2015
Coach Petty was a great man who helped a lot of us kids get through an awkward time in our lives through sports.
Mrs. Petty and family I am very sorry for your loss.
February 18, 2015
Sorry for the loss of this wonderful husband, father, and coach! I, Bill McDonald, truly appreciate all he taught me and others in the class of 74 at Leigh. His influence is still being pasted on today. Thanks Coach Petty
February 17, 2015
Dearest Joan and Sally,
This is Polly.
Mark, Jeff, and I are absolutely, totally, saddened, with this news of your loss.
February 16, 2015
My name is Steve Hansard and I graduated from Leigh in 1976. I remember several times having him for P.E. and how nice he was to his students and always wanted to do what he could. He coached track/cross country and helped my brother who graduated from Leigh in 1988.
Tom Tolentino
February 15, 2015
Sincere condolences to the Petty family.
Coach Petty was my track coach, Class of 1961 and fellow Marine... It was his gung-ho spirit that influenced me and Phil Rojas to go into the Marines, under the buddy program. Tomorrow is my duty day with the All-Marine Honor Detail,
Semper Fi #1, at Riverside National Cemetery; We will render honors, on behalf of a grateful nation, for Coach
Petty, with the 3 rifle volley.. Fair winds and following seas and Semper Fi Marine.
Phil Rojas
February 15, 2015
Coach Petty was my track coach at WUHS 1958-1961 great coach a friend and. A fellow Marine. He was one reason I joined the Marines with my friend Tom Tolentino. When I finished boot camp Coach Petty invited me to dinner at his house . I always remembered that. Coach I've always thought about you, rest in peace Couch
Phil Rojas
February 14, 2015
My name is Phil Rojas WUHS class of 1961. Mr. Petty was my track coach, have fond memories of coach Petty. He was one of the reasons I joined the Marines. When I finished boot camp and came home Mr. Petty invited me to come to his house, then on 3rd street, to have dinner with him and Mrs. Petty. I will always remember coach with good memories. Mr. Petty was also our delivery milk man during the summer vacation from school.
Cathe (Tippett) D'ARcy
February 13, 2015
Heartfelt sympathies to the Petty family. A wonderful man and neighbor.
Steven munoz
February 13, 2015
Coach Petty was my first football coach and one of the best I have ever had. He was well respected by me and knew how to keep us motivated. Great man. Rip Coach
Brian Friss
February 13, 2015
Thank you for all you did for me on and off the field of play coach Petty. To your family my deepest condolences. Your toughness has helped me all through my life. RIP..
Leonard Williams
February 13, 2015
I knew Mr. Petty from Watsonville High School during the late 50's and early 60's. He was a nice person and inspirational. He will be missed. Mr. Petty, God Bless You. R.I.P.
Dennis Freeman
February 12, 2015
My high school track coach. I took him trout fishing one Saturday on the Carmel river. He lost a big one! My condolences to his family.
February 12, 2015
Truly, one of the most influential men/coaches in my life. As tough as they come with a sense of humor. God Bless Coach Petty & his lucky family........Nick Brautovich
Dave Lawrence
February 12, 2015
Great man + coach. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
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