Lewis Petit

Lewis J. 'Lew' Petit, 70, of Mansfield died Tuesday morning, February 3, 2004 at MedCentral Mansfield after a long battle with heart disease. Mr. Petit was born January 20, 1934 in Sharon, Pennsylvania living in the Mansfield area since 1963. He was owner/operator of the Lew Petit Driving School. Lew's life was spent teaching, mentoring and coaching children of all ages. He had a love for all sports, but experienced particular success in coaching baseball and football. His sports legacy began at Ashland High School where he pitched to teammate, John Roseboro, who became a major league catcher. He graduated from Ashland College where he was a successful pitcher. At 21 years of age he coached an Ashland All-Star Little League team to the regional finals of the Little League World Series. In the 1960's he coached basketball, baseball and football at Plymouth High School where he led the football team to an undefeated season. Lew went on to teach in the Mansfield City School system where he became the first baseball coach at Malabar High School. He also coached the McVey Post American Legion baseball team. In 1972 he left the public schools to open his own private driving school. It was not only his job but a lifetime commitment to teach safe driving practices to youth and adults. This commitment will continue under the guidance of his wife and son. His first love was his wife and family. He took particular pride in his grandchildren and their successes. His joys in life were fishing in Florida and golf. He loved watching sports and spent many years cheering on area teams. He was a member of the Ontario United Methodist Church where he enjoyed participating in the church community.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Barr Petit; three children and their spouses, LuAnne & Mark Johnson and Tod & Doreen Petit, all of Mansfield and Lori & George Rosselle of Georgia; and four grandchildren, Amber and Eli Johnson, Alec Rosselle and Kaden Petit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Paul & Ruth Lewis Petit.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Friday from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Ontario United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. James Winkler. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ontario United Methodist Church or MADD.