Edward Howard Petelle's Obituary
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 siblings have passed: Dorothy, Walter, Robert, and his younger brother Donald (Carlee) survives him. As a boy he traversed across Chicago in trolleys exploring the World’s Fair and the Field Museum. Graduating from Lane Tech in January 1941, took a job at Western Electric. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps (Air Force) during World War II and served as armorer gunner on the Tequila Daisy in the 492nd until his crew was transferred to the 44th Bomb Group.
Before being sent overseas, he married his sweetheart Dorothy Mae Snow. They raised their family in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is survived by their four children: Patricia Yanulis (Stephen) of Tampa, Edward Scott (Check) of Panama, Cynthia Petelle (Paul Scherer) of St. Petersburg and Daniel (Karen) of Tennessee. His grandchildren: Michele, Mary, Andrew, Kristi, Ayla, Tasmin, Lana, Travis, Stephanie, Ryan, Rachel, Michael, Kim, Kira, and Katy. His great-grandchildren include: Andersen, A.J. Jayden, Madison, Ezra, Jackson, Kailaka, Sarah, Abigail, Sean, Nicholas, Laura, Sophie, Leo, Flora, Brian and Mary Beth.
He was a Boy Scout as a boy and his enthusiasm extended to becoming a leader in his son’s troops and helping to maintain Camp Soule. It was a family commitment as he once described arriving at the Camp to find his 70 year old father on the roof repairing one of the halls. He was awarded the Order of the Arrow. He stood proudly with his grandchildren who earned the Eagle and Gold awards, helping both with their service projects.
An avid sailor, he taught his children and many nieces and nephews how to sail in his wooden fish class boat. He built a home for his family in Northbrook. He made dollhouses and forts for his children and grandchildren and could be counted upon to fix anything, even if it required an inventive solution.
His 40 year career in the telephone industry included working as a lineman, plant manager, sales, marketing and business relations manager. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in 1980, but he lost many secretary because he would encourage them to finish their degrees and take additional training to further their careers. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, was one of the first lay Lectors, Toastmasters International, GTE Skin and Scuba Club, United Way, and the St. Petersburg Sales Executive Club.
He retired from General Telephone in 1981 to care for his wife who died later in the year. He married June Deierl Nolan and was lovingly accepted by her nine children. They enjoyed travel and visiting with their large extended family. She passed away in 1993.
In later years he went on many excursions with Elder Hostel, including forays into the jungles of Belize to count monkeys. He plunged into life at Freedom Square, building sets and acting in plays and talent shows the residents staged and was known for being “the dancer” for his participation in line dancing. He chaired the Scholarship Fund to raise money for the nursing staff to use in continuing education.
He penned his autobiography “All About Me” and encouraged others to do the same believing it would be an awesome legacy for future generations.
“I hope all who follow me will endure their tribulations, shrug off failure, carry their crosses courageously, succeed with humility, laugh at themselves and enjoy life as much as I have!!!”
A strong believer in education and in helping others, Ed headed up a scholarship fund to assist the nursing staff at his home in Freedom Square. Please honor his memory with a donation to the Freedom Square Scholarship Fund, Inc. (c/o Freedom Square, 7800 Liberty Lane, Seminole, FL 33772) in lieu of flowers.
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