David Walter Pettee

David Walter Pettee, Sr., 76, of Medina, OH, formerly of Toledo, OH, passed away on September 20, 2025, at Sycamore Run Nursing Home in Medina, OH. He was born on September 3, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio, to Francis Walter and Dorothy Virginia (Ashford) Pettee.

David graduated from Central Catholic High School and then immediately joined the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam era. He was honorably discharged.

Soon after discharge, on October 23, 1970, he married Jeannine Rose Alva Lavoie, in New Brunswick, Canada. Jeannine was the love of his life, and he humorously called her “Jean the Bean.” Both kept their faith “near and dear” as they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage.

After his marriage to Jeannine, David earned his first post-high school degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY, becoming an Executive Chef. David loved cooking and generously volunteered to serve family wedding receptions and the Great Annual Chili Cook-Offs, hosted by Mobile Meals of Toledo, Inc., taking the top prize, in the corporate category, for several years.

David never stopped his love of education. He earned his bachelor and master’s degrees in education from the University of Toledo. He also forged ahead with doctoral-level classes and wrote a book titled, “Folks, Will You Please Be Seated.” David dedicated his career to education as a teacher and a principal. David shaped the lives of countless students with patience, guidance, humor and encouragement. He always advocated for his students to continue with college.

David enjoyed fishing, cars—especially his 1967 Corvette—family gatherings, and playing cards. He cherished family vacations to St. André, Canada, and treasured peaceful time spent with those he loved. Above all, he was most proud of his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

David is survived by his wife, Jeannine; children, Daniel and Julie Ann (Weber) Pettee, Andrew and Linda (Atkinson) Pettee; former daughter-in-law, Kris Michelle (Hornyak) Pettee; and grandchildren, Lucas, Maxwell, Elise, Henry, O’Neil and Raegen Davie. He is also survived by his siblings: Denis A., Michael R. and Vicki (Delahoussey), Stephen and Mary Jane (Emmenecker), John L. and Holi, Joseph L. and Mary (Gdowik), Maria C. (Pettee) and Brent Martin, and Laura A. (Pettee) and Stanley J. Garrett and many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, his son, David W. Pettee, Jr., and sister-in law Pamela (Miller) Pettee.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Hyacinth Church, 719 Eversham Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43607. Burial will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. A wake will be held at St. Hyacinth Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to Mobile Meals of Toledo, Inc. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.