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Donald Pet Obituary
Don was born in Baltimore, MD to Morris and Shirley Petrushansky. He graduated high school from City College in 1954 and majored in psychology and philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, during which time he met and married Marilyn, his beloved wife of 65+ years. He received his medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed a residency in psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University.
Along with his wife Marilyn, Don will be missed and remembered by three sons and their spouses: Obbie and Su Lin, Pacey and Sue, and Russell and Karen; grandchildren: Mitchell (Gillian), Douglas, Steven (Rachel), Jacob, Anna (Zach), Kaitlin, and Nikki; and great grandchildren: Theo, Lydia, Mira, Elina, Isadore, and Ida Kay. Don and Marilyn always encouraged and supported education and creativity for all generations inspiring their offspring to fulfill passions in the health professions, engineering, law, music, and art.
Don started his career in the Public Health Service in Lexington, KY developing his expertise in treatments for alcohol and substance abuse. He brought his skills to Connecticut, where he worked with the State of CT to start DARTEC for residential substance abuse treatment. This program successfully pioneered the training of ex-addicts to become rehabilitation treatment counselors. Don entered private psychiatry practice and developed a community center to provide individual and group counselling, called the Educational Community.
Don developed a therapeutic approach to personal happiness which patients found extremely effective. His process emphasized listening and the role of word choice in shaping a framework for stress management and conflict resolution. Over the last 20 years, he extended this therapeutic strategy to world stage problems such as nuclear threats, pollution, and climate change. He wrote several books and created organizations teaching strategies to address these global issues. See https://peace.academy/
Don developed a second career in real estate ownership and management. He thought fondly of the tenants to whom he provided housing. He also enjoyed playing the organ and collecting art in the form of wood, glass, rugs, and minerals.
Don's passion for life and attitude of gratitude will be missed by all he has touched.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to his 501c3 non profit for world peace:
Educational Community
235 East River Drive #1107
East Hartford, CT 06108
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Pet
Sponsored by the family.
VJ
August 5, 2024
I was deeply saddened to learn of Don´s passing. He was my house owner a decade ago, and I remember him as a genuinely nice and caring person. Don made a lasting impression on me with his kindness. I was looking forward to reconnecting with him, but now I find myself reflecting on the positive impact he had on my life. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
Ap Mill
August 17, 2023
Dr. Pet helped me with a place when no one would. Now, I am a homeowner. Dr. Pet you will be missed.
Janice Curtis
August 10, 2023
U were my Dr many years ago. Shirley and you were wonderful people.
Dan Doyle
May 2, 2023
I consider Don to be among the greatest human beings I have ever encountered, his brilliance only surpassed by his great goodwill. RIP Dear Friend. Dan Doyle
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Rita Franceski
April 7, 2023
Just heard of Don´s passing yesterday. Condolences to his wife and family. He had a long and purpose filled life. He helped a lot of people. May he rest in eternal peace.
Deborah Morgan
March 13, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Linda Carlson
January 20, 2023
I am so sorry for your family's loss.
Sherel & Karl Thyme
January 18, 2023
I met Mr. Don Pet through my husband Karl..Mr. Pet will be greatly missed by me and my family..There are not enough words to express the kindness, generosity, respect, and trust Mr. Pet showed to our business and our family..We were always spoken to, and treated with respect by Mr. Pet..Our deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife Mrs. Pet, their children, family, and loved ones..I am truly blessed to have been in the presence of such a one of a kind remarkable Human Being..Sleep Peacefully Mr.Pet..
Nitza Nieves
January 17, 2023
Mr. Pet will be missed! He became my landlord some years ago. Mr. Pet was caring, respectful, and a fair landlord. He was patient, and understanding. When I was going through some rough times after loosing my son, he gave me some advice on how to deal with grief. He encouraged me to get out of the house and go into the office to work instead of working from home. He was right it helped! He really made a positive impact on my life Mr. Pet will be missed
Nitza Nieves
January 17, 2023
Mr. Pet will be missed! He became my landlord some years ago. Mr. Pet was caring, respectful, and a fair landlord. He was patient, and understanding. When I was going through some rough times after loosing my son, he gave me some advice on how to deal with grief. He encouraged me to get out of the house and go into the office to work instead of working from home. He was right it helped! He really made a positive impact on my life Mr. Pet will be missed
Jodi Wolf
January 15, 2023
Marilyn and Pet family - I just found out about Don and I am heartbroken for you all. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to work with him and know him for almost 30 years. The world has truly lost an amazing Peace Warrior! I will always remember him fondly and Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'toch sh'ar availai tziyon ee yerushalayim.
Jodi Wolf
January 15, 2023
Marilyn and Pet family - I just found out about Don and I am heartbroken for you all. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to work with him and know him for almost 30 years. The world has truly lost an amazing Peace Warrior! I will always remember him fondly and Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'toch sh'ar availai tziyon ee yerushalayim.
Beverly Colvin
January 15, 2023
It is with deep sadness to learn of the death of Mr Pet you was the bed landlord I ever had may the beautiful life you lived be a blessing to your family with deep condolences. Beverly Colvin your tenant.
Nancy Quinn
January 14, 2023
To the Pet family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man and helped so many families. Sending you all much love and prayers.
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