Kenneth "K.P." Petti

KENNETH E. "K.P." PETTI age 84, passed away, peacefully surrounded by his family, on April 11, 2011. Beloved husband of the late Almeda (nee Sopnicar); loving father of Joanne Hayward (Thomas), Autumn Petti, Kenneth, Andrea Lisak (Tony), Paula Strumbly (Joe) and forever father in law of Jenny Minadeo (Gary); devoted grandfather of Bob and Nikki Hayward, Jamie Gould (Tom), Michael Petti and Maria Petti, Anthony, Matt and Christian Lisak, Julia and Joey Strumbly; great grandfather of Addison Gould; dear brother of the following deceased Lou (Doris), Ed (Connie), Bill (Luicille), Dolly Springer (Elmer), Dorothy Fifield (Kelly) and Elmer (Jean); brother in law of Joey Sopnicar, Elizabeth Ross (Gil), Nancy Sopnicar (Richard, deceased) and the following deceased Donna Unetic (Stan), Fred Sopnicar (Lil) and Harvey Sopnicar; loving uncle and great uncle of many; lifelong friend of “holy” Joe Christopher.

Ken was raised in Little Italy. After attending East High, Ken joined the Army and was in the military police. After returning from the military, Ken met his soul mate, Almeda, and they were married in 1951. Shortly after came their first of five children.

His father being a contractor, Ken worked with him and his brothers for a short time. Then, the timing was right for Ken and Almeda to pursue their dream of opening up a pizzeria. Throwing the dice, they opened up Petti’s Pizza in Wickliffe in the early 1960’s. After a few years, they decided that their efforts may be better served in Mayfield Heights. They then opened up Master Pizza on Mayfield Road. The restaurant became popular for families, as well as Friday night football games. On Friday nights, you would drive by and the line would be out the door! It was definitely a family affair as all of their children worked in the restaurant at one point in their lives. Ken and Almeda were the original owners of Master Pizza for over 38 years and were icons in the community.

Ken was an avid sports fan; ESPN was his station of choice. He thoroughly enjoyed golfing, and won the Hustlers tournament in Florida in 1978, which was a huge thrill for him. He enjoyed gambling as well, and a Las Vegas vacation was always welcomed.

In later years, when Almeda became ill, he would be there for her every need. His love and devotion to her was undeniable. She meant everything to him.

When work was no longer, watching the deer and birds in the back yard brought him joy, as well as spending a lot of time with his family. He was a very loving, caring and generous man.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Friday April 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Gates Mills. Interment All Souls Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. (at Lander Rd.) Wednesday 6-8 and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9.