Mr. Pettit was born on December 28, 1932, in Hartford, Connecticut to James and Mary (Shea) Pettit.

He was raised in Queens, New York, and later lived in Livingston and Mount Holly before settling in Somerset. He later moved to Newton and most recently to Collingswood.

Mr. Pettit was predeceased by his wife, Jocelyn Pettit; and his brother, John Pettit.

He is survived by his son, James Pettit; his daughters, Kathleen Davidson, Shirley Giampoala, and Lisa Korkuch; his brother, Lawrence Pettit; his sister, Mimi Finneran; four grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 21 at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873. Burial and committal services followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in East Brunswick.