Robert Wade Pettit

Robert Wade Pettit

Born in Memphis TN in 1938 by Mary Frances Nolan and Paul Cyrus Pettit. Following high school he joined the military. Served with distinction in the US Marine Corp from Jan 1958 to Jan 1962 achieving the rank of Corporal and earning a Good Conduct Medal. He then went to the University of Memphis and earned his Bachelor's Degree in History and continued his education at UW Milwaukee earning his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He returned to the military joining the US Army Reserve as part of the 84th Division, 1152nd Transport Company from Nov 1969 to Jun 1986. He achieved the rank of Sargent 1st Class and earned the Good Conduct Medal and Army Service Ribbon, as well as the Medal for Meritorious Service for his deployment to Beirut, Lebanon. On Nov 10 1974 he married the love of his life Sallie Lee (Cole) Taylor, their marriage lasting 44 years till Sallie passed away on Dec 17th 2018.

During his life he wore many hats. From social worker helping veterans adjust to civilian life to driving short freight trucks between Milwaukee and Chicago. During the 1980s he and Sallie created and headed up the Ecumenical Refugee Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping and supporting clinics and orphanages in Central America. They took many trips, some that were dangerous, into Central America to do all they could to help the poor and orphaned when political forces were arrayed against it. These trips included shipping medical supplies into embargoed countries to help those in need. One of his greatest joys was teaching and served as math and science teacher at Catholic East Elementary in the 1990s for several years.

He is survived by his children: Ruth (Bob) Duket, Camille Taylor, Cindy (Taylor) Gray, Charlie Taylor, Paul (Sherry) Pettit, Michael Pettit, Mary (Charles Hardiman) Pettit, and Yami (Dominic) Wyman. By his grandchildren: Bridgette LaGalbo, Eddie Pietrzak, Tricia Trapp, Olivia Beilke, Samuel Brussow, Ruth Peterson, Ricardo Torres, Alicia Moore, Gabriella Hernandez, Rebecca Wong, Geoffrey Gray, Annika Taylor, Harrison Taylor, Joseph Skipper, Monica Neyes, Jared Flannick, Rosario Robert Pettit, Nadia Hardiman, Cyrus Hardiman, Dorian Pettit, Khamani Powell-Pettit, Julian Wyman, and Domino Wyman. 36 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren.

He is joined in death by his wife Salle, his daughter Rita and grandson Rosario LaGalbo.

Services will be held at 11am at All Saints' Cathedral 818 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202 on February 28th, 2026. Flower donations are welcome and can be made via Heritage Funeral Home.