John Pettit of Eastport died at his home on Friday, September 12. He was 59.
Mr. Pettit was born on August 23, 1949, to Raymond and Mary Pettit of Hicksville. In 1963, the family moved to Eastport, where Mr. Pettit attended Eastport High School.
He married his high school sweetheart, Pam (née Capazzola) and joined the United States Air Force in 1970. After four years of military service, he returned to Eastport with his new family, which included two sons, Joe and Dan. The couple later had a daughter, Kellie.
During the mid-1970s, Mr. Pettit worked for what was then known as LILCO (Long Island Lighting Company). In 1979, he started work with the Long Island Rail Road, retiring in 1999.
He was a member of the Eastport Fire Department for 39 years, advancing through the ranks from the Seatuck Engine Company to serve as the department’s chief in 1981 and 1982.
Together with his wife, Pam, he enjoyed antiquing, fishing, boating, beach activities, and spending time with family, friends and most of all his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Joe and his wife Laura, and Dan and his wife Cortney; a daughter, Kellie and her partner Eric; four brothers, George, Tom, Bill and Chuck; four sisters, Alice, Jen, Marie and Pat; five grandchildren, Montaigne, Patrick, James, Andrew and Abigail; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Raymond and Arthur.
A wake was held on September 14 and 15 at Sinnickson’s Moriches Funeral Home in Center Moriches, where the Eastport Fire Department also held firematic services. A funeral service was held at Remsenburg Community Church on September 16, with the Reverend Anne H. McAnnelly officiating. Private cremation followed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Eastport Fire Department Benevolent Association, P.O. Box 459, Eastport, NY 11941 would be appreciated by the family.
on Sep 15, 2008