Tom was born to Thomas Alexander Pettit and Shirley Pettit (nee Honig) on September 1, 1936, in Queens, NY. Tom joined the Army in 1952 at the age of 16. He served faithfully in Korea and subsequently 3 tours in Vietnam. He retired from the military in 1979 as a CW4 after 26 years of service, but always maintained a love of the military and his country. After retirement from the Army as an aviator, he began a career as an educator at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, where he worked for 15 years. Tom was affiliated with VFW post 1590 in Daytona Beach, FL; the VHPA, and volunteered at the Food Pantry at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
He is pre-deceased by his wife Patricia Pettit (nee Hensel); his sisters Geraldine Monville and Joan Lynch and his step-grandson, Andrew McEwen. He is survived by his sons; Michael Pettit and Matthew Pettit (Lisa), his granddaughters Evelyn and Katharine Pettit; brother- in -law Raymond Hensel; his nephews, John Lynch and Timothy Monville (Jennifer); his nieces, Patricia Sizemore (Greg), Kathleen DeLoach (Jack), and Ann Marie Doman (John).
Viewing at Prince Of Peace Catholic Church on June 5, 2024, from 9:00-10:00 am, with Mass to follow. Burial at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home in Ormond Beach following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project and/or Prince Of Peace Catholic Church.
