"We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time"
In loving memory of
Maurice Richard Petit
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Maurice Richard (Dick) Petit who resided in Carmel, Indiana, and also had a home in Bluewater Bay, Florida, passed away Wednesday August 11, 2010 at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California. He had been visiting his daughters in Los Gatos and Pleasanton California when he became ill. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Miriam, and his nine children and 25 grandchildren: Dana Petit Duncheon and husband Charlie, along with Casey, Sydney and Dagney Duncheon; Van Petit, along with Elizabeth Petit Faist, 1st Lt Kathleen Petit USMC, and Caroline Petit; Bruce Petit and wife Kelly, along with Eric and Maureen Petit; Risa Petit Koziol and husband Mark, along with Kali, Elli, Kurt, Chet and Grant Koziol; Marta Petit Holt and husband Wayne, Cara Petit Schaafsma and husband Doug, along with Emma, Cal, Mina, Ty and Audra Schaafsma; Gina Petit Hagelskamp and husband John, along with Mick, Maggie and Abby Hagelskamp; Rex Petit and wife Julie, along with Hannah, Camryn, Marisa, and Ryan Petit; Troy Petit and wife Patricia. A daughter, Lora Kay Petit, died in infancy in 1961. Dick was born on November 14, 1924 in Champaign, Illinois, and was the son of Charles and Eulalia Petit, deceased, and the brother of Charles E. Petit, Jr., Lafayette, Indiana. Dick enlisted in the Navy in l942 and served in World War II as a rear gunner on a Catalina submarine patrol aircraft based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was subsequently transferred from Hawaii to Officer Training School at Purdue University, where he graduated in l947 and was Commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Active Reserve. He then entered lU. School of Law in Indianapolis and graduated in 195l . He was recalled to service in the Korean War, leaving the same day he was sworn in as a new attorney. For two years he operated on a Destroyer Escort out of Newport Rhode Island. He was then transferred to New York City in a Supervisor of Shipbuilding. He maintained his status as an Active Naval Reservist with an Indianapolis, Indiana JAG Unit, and retired from the U.S. Navy as a Commander in 1975. Upon returning from his Korean War service in 1954, Dick served as a Felony Deputy Prosecutor in Marion County, and subsequently opened a law office in Indianapolis. He moved that office to Carmel in the early 1980's. His family was always the most important part of Dick's life. They spent many fun-filled summers together at Lake Tippecanoe, with dad always anxious to be a part of their swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, and sailing activities. The family continued their vacation visits by spending many beautiful days at his beloved Blue Water Bay home in Niceville,Flordia. The family sends their thanks for all past friendships from neighbors, associates, attorneys, and clients he worked with over the years, Woodland Country Club golf and lunch friends, Indiana Senior Golf Association Members, and everyone who touched his heart with their friendship. Dick was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel, Indiana, and Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville, Florida. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church at 14598 Oakridge Road. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary, 900 N. Rangeline Road in Carmel, Indiana. Any donations in Dick's name may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School or to the Purdue University St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center.
Tributes
"My condolences to all the Petit family. I have fond memories of growing up with you in the "old neighborhood"."
"Van and family,We were sorry to see that your father passed away. It was a very well written obituary and picture. Though we did not know your father, we can see that he raised a wonderful family and did much for his communtiy and country. Our deepest sympathy, "
"Cara, Gina and family,I was sorry to read about the passing of your father. Although I don't recall meeting him, he obviously led a remarkable life and helped raise quite a family. On behalf of my wife, Karen, and I please accept our condolences and best wishes as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of your father."
"We were sorry to hear about Mr. Petit. In times like these it always helps us to think about the good times. We hope you have lots of time when you are together to share his stories.We are thinking of you and praying for you.God Bless."
"To the Petit family: Your husband/father/grandfather was one of the nicest, most decent men I have ever known. But you already knew that. As a new member of Woodland Country Club, Dick looked out after me. I still have the TaylorMade 3-Wood that he sold me for $50; I will forever cherish it, as it has always reminded me of him. My own father passed from the same disease in 1988; I know what the past year or so has been like for you. Dick is in a far better place now. You will surely keep him alive in your thoughts and remembrances of all the wonderful times you had over the years. He will be missed - but never forgotten. Cheers."
"Nancy and I are far away however Dick is one of those persons who you never forget. He and Miriam were a great couple. Their children were brought up and now the original two have many.I played golf with Dick often and he was a strong competitor. He new the rules and he kept in line. That was the reason so many people sought him out and listen to his advice. He touch many lives over the years and alway had a helping thought or two.But most of all, Dick was one of those people who did the right things right.We send our regards to the familyTom"
"My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to all of you. I know he will be sadly missed. Your in my prayers. "
"Miriam, Dana, Van, Bruce, Risa, Marta, Cara, Gina, Rex and Troy,I was so saddened to hear of Dick's death. I have countless memories of our childhoods as neighbors spent going from the Ziegner house to the Petit house and back again. Your Dad was an example of quiet strength and his love for his family (and their friends!) was obvious. I would have come to Indy in a heartbeat to celebrate his life with all of you, but was unable to get away from work. Dick was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love, Annie"
"Bruce and Van... I'm so sorry for your loss. My hope is for grace to surround you and the rest of your family during this period of grief, and that you will be comforted with reflections of your father's life in the days and weeks to come. Chris"