Charles Alfred Petty

Charles Alfred Petty, 82, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Charles grew up with a deep curiosity about how the world works—a trait that would guide his life as a scientist, teacher, and lifelong learner.

Charles earned both his Bachelor of Science (1966) and PhD (1970) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida. His academic career led him to the University of Delaware and later to Michigan State University, where he served as a professor of Chemical Engineering. His research explored hydrocyclones, transport phenomena, turbulent flows, and polymer drag reduction. Professor Petty was known for his sharp intellect, steady mentorship, and genuine enthusiasm for discovery.

Beyond the laboratory and classroom, Charles nurtured a passion for bird orientation and navigation, delighting in the mysteries of how creatures find their way through the world. He also cherished attending family events. Swim meets, water polo games, football games, flute concerts, dance performances, races, and graduations were punctuated by his booming and frequent BRAVOs!

Friends and family will remember Charles in his signature light blue short‑sleeve oxford shirts (he owned 12 of them), scribbling formulae on a yellow legal pad or working through a Sudoku puzzle.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Peterson; father, Alfred W. Petty; stepmother, Anita W. Petty; sisters, Yvonne Thompson, Betty Hinson, and Lindy Goetz; and granddaughter, Sara Violet Guenther.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ginger K. Petty; his brothers AW Petty and Pat Petty; his sister, Mary Stephens; his children, Jennifer (Steve) Gottlieb and Karl (Tetiana) Petty; his grandchildren, Rachel Diana Guenther, Zoe Meiling Petty, Matteo Jianren Petty, Allison (Paul) Brinker, and Jason (May) Gottlieb; and his great-grandchildren, Reid and Quinn Brinker. His family will forever carry forward his curiosity, kindness, and quiet wisdom.

A Celebration of Life service and luncheon will be held on Friday, February 27, at 12:30 pm in the Red Cedar Room at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. All are welcome, but please RSVP with the family by February 22 for planning purposes at https://forms.gle/fX2amjFrXLbeyKDSA

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Michigan State University 4-H Children’s Garden, one of Charles’ favorite places and a fitting tribute to his love of learning and the natural world.

Memorial contributions to support the 4-H Children’s Garden may be made to the Michigan 4-H Foundation at 446 West Circle Drive, Room 160, East Lansing, MI 48824 or online at https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorialtributedonation/