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Obit: Claude 'Bob' Pettitt

by jmaloni
Sat, Jan 19th 2013 07:00 am

Jan. 22, 1924 - Dec. 25, 2012

Claude "Bob" Pettitt passed away Dec. 25, 2012, at the age of 88 in Dayton, Ohio. He was formerly of Grand Island.

He was born on Jan. 22, 1924, and departed this life at home, with his beloved wife and sons by his side. Preceding him in death were his mother Anita Arnold Pettitt, father W.W. Pettitt, brother John W. Pettitt and former wife Doris (nee Hansler) Pettitt. Bob is survived by his cherished wife of 35 years, Dolores (nee Rafe) Pettitt; sons: Robert (Linda), Brian (Barbara), Jeffrey (Deborah); grandchildren: Shawna Mann (Michael), Michelle Cox (Jeremy), Robert W. and Marie Pettitt; and great-grandchildren: Ashleigh and Austin Mann. He is also survived by Dolores' children, whom Bob treasured and loved as his own: Paul Rafe, Michael Rafe (Denise), Debra Taber (Keith) Laurie Hicks (Roger), Michele Rafe (Armand DeBan), Patricia Quarles (Paul), Mark Rafe (deceased), 21 grandchildren, Autumn Rollings (deceased), and 14 great-grandchildren.

Bob proudly volunteered to serve his country as a United States Marine serving aboard the battleship U.S.S. Massachusetts in the African and Pacific theaters during World War II. He was a life member of VFW Post 2800 where he served as quartermaster, in addition to being a life member of AMVETS.

A memorial service with full military honors was held in Dayton on Jan. 5.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Dayton for their concern, compassion, and excellent care. Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420.

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