Stephen D. Pett, MD

Stephen D. Pett, MD, age 80, of Fairview, PA, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, at his residence, with family present to support his passing.

He was born in Midland, TX, on July 31, 1945, a son of the late Stephen D. Pett, Sr. and Kathleen ’Dolorita’ Enright Pett.

Stephen was a 1963 graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School in South Orange, NJ and received his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University. Stephen served in the United States Army Reserves.

After earning his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington D.C., he went on to complete his internship, General Surgery, and Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery residencies at George Washington University Hospital and affiliated hospitals.

Upon completion of his training, he served as assistant professor of Surgery of the George Washington University, School of Medicine. During this time, he was part of the team present when President Ronald Reagan, Press Secretary, James Brady arrived in their emergency room after an assassination attempt. Dr. Pett was primarily in charge of taking care of Secret Service agent, Timothy McCarthy, who “took a bullet” for the President.

After leaving DC, Stephen joined Consultants in Cardiovascular Disease at St. Vincent Health Center where he grudgingly held many leadership positions including medical staff President.

In 2001, Dr. Pett and his colleagues moved to Hamot Heart Institute, a merger that created Flagship CVTS.

During his time as a dedicated surgeon, he was committed to accomplishing the most successful outcomes for these patients who placed their trust in him. He focused passionately on that goal.

During his long career, he enjoyed membership in multiple Professional Societies including The American College of Surgeons, American College of Cardiology and the American College of Chest Physicians.

His well-earned retirement in 2007 allowed him to more actively participate in the joys of life.

Steve enjoyed skiing on ‘real’ mountains out west, playing tennis on occasion, but most of all, improving his handicap accompanied by his buddies on The Kahkwa Club golf course, his 2nd home.

He enjoyed books, crossword puzzles, watching cooking shows and producing fabulous dishes, spending time with his girls, their families, and the grandkids. He was so proud of them all.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife and best friend, laughing, loving, debating, both important and trivial issues, and doing most anything, together.

Steve and Lisa were fortunate to travel to new places, learn new things, visit exciting historical locations, and eat and drink their way through many countries. And that perfect day in Montenegro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Brian Pett.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Bendig Pett, whom he married on October 31, 1992; his three daughters: Elizabeth (Erik) Braho; Katherine (Rick) Sawtelle; and Margaret Pett; a brother Christopher Pett; four sisters: Kathleen Klopp; Sarah (David) Baldwin; Marguerite Blaydes; and Patricia Carroll; five grandchildren: Nicholas Sawtelle; Ronald Braho; Stephen Braho; Thomas Sawtelle; and Abigail Sawtelle; and several nieces and nephews. He was the favorite human of Izzy, his cat.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, on Friday, September 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Burial will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery with Deacon Tony Alleruzo officiating.

Memorials may be made to The Kahkwa Caddy Scholarship Fund or the Benevolence Fund at The Kahkwa Club 3300 Kahkwa Club Rd, Erie Pa 16506.