Lewis C. Petitt

Lewis C. Petitt of Chautauqua passed away in his home with his loving family at his side Oct. 25, 2009.

A Chautauqua resident for most of his life, he was born March 8, 1919, the son of Florence Wassink Petitt and Clarence Petitt.

Lewis served in the U.S. Army during World War II, part of the 817th tank destroyer battalion. He served in northern France, Rhineland, Ardennies, central Europe and Battle of the Bulge. He received a good conduct medal and four battle stars for the service to his country. This past June he attended his 64th consecutive battalion reunion.

He owned and operated a contracting business with his wife, Mary. In retirement, he was a realtor with Stranburg Real Estate in Chautauqua. He was a life member of the Chautauqua Volunteer Fire Department with 63 years of service. Lewis was a member of Hurlbut Memorial Community Church, having served as a trustee as well as being active on numerous committees. He was a charter member of the Chautauqua Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8647, the Masonic Lodge, Mayville, and the Rod and Gun Club of Lakewood, N.Y.

As an avid golfer, he was a member of The Chautauqua Golf Club playing in the Wednesday and Thursday night leagues. He was a Senior Club Champion and also won the Senior Member-Guest Tournament with his brother.

Lewis was a lover of life, a great teacher, who could always saw the sunny side. He was generous, kind, and loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed the lake, winters in Florida, fishing, and most importantly family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by his three daughters and one son: Marilyn (Carl) Scarpino of West Ellicott, N.Y., Sharon (James) Kiracofe of Howland, Ohio, Mary (Terrance) Hogan of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Frederick (Kimberly) Petitt of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, Floyd (Trudy) Petitt of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and a sister, Helen Snyder of Chautauqua, N.Y.; eight grandchildren: Patty (An-drew) Burnight of Potomac Falls, Va., Cindy (Thomas) Massey of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Elizabeth Kiracofe of Cleveland, Ohio, Emily Kiracofe of Howland, Ohio, Allison (Brady) Hively of Columbus, Ohio, Kevin Hogan of Chicago, Ill., and Amanda and Megan Petitt of Orlando, Fla; and three great-grandchildren: Alexander and Reagan Burnight and Addison Massey.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary; and his sister, Mae Petitt.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Hurlbut Memorial Community Church in Chautauqua Institution. The family will receive friends on Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Freay Funeral Home in Mayville, N.Y. Memorials can be made to Chautauqua Fire Department or Homecare Education and Resource Team Support (HEARTS) P.O. Box 474 Burton, Ohio 44021.