Birth date: Mar 26, 1923 Death date: Jun 2, 2017
Edward Howard Petelle, age 94, of Seminole, Pinellas, Florida died in his home surrounded by family on Friday, June 2, 2017. He was born March 26, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Walter Petelle and Marie Hansen. His older si Read Obituary
Ed was an inspiration with his optimism and self sacrifice. I'll always remember his generosity and how he was so patient and fun-loving with our children. He's left quite the impression in my life as one-in-a-million kind of person.
Ed was one of the most gracious people I've ever met. He actually chose to marry a woman (after Dorothy's death) with 9, supposedly adult, children :), and yet he patiently tolerated their idiosyncrasies with great humor. (What choice did he have at that point??) What a guy! We were the handful I don't think he bargained for! Yet, Ed was so devoted - making it clear that he was the lucky one to have had 2 wonderful wives! Ed worked hard to show us, June's children, that he planned to take good care of her. We were delighted when they took the opportunity to travel. That was the kind of retirement my mom wished for, but without Ed, it would not have happened.
I've always been impressed by how Ed lived his life. Every day he was the living example of the way he felt people should be - from early morning stretches and exercise to his devotion to the church, to his tolerance of different lifestyle choices. I have never found him to be judgmental. We loved his WWII stories, his desire to keep learning new things, his willingness to share all that he had. He set a high bar and will be remembered by all who knew him. I believe Ed sought this spiritual transition knowing he goes to be with loved ones, knowing his soul lives on. I am grateful I had the opportunity to know Ed, to see his values expressed in everyday conversation and to be accepted into his family with unconditional love. I say again: What a guy!
