Ferdinand Louis Petitti

May 9, 1924 - February 3, 2018

Ferdinand L. "Pete" Petitti, age 93, of Dixon, died Saturday Feb. 3, 2018 at Heritage Square in Dixon. He was born May 9, 1924 in Chicago the son of Angelo and Saraphina (Tiritilli) Petitti Sr. Moving to Dixon right out of Engineering School, he worked as a Civil Engineer for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation for 36 years prior to his retirement in 1987. However, he never stood still. He was always busy and dedicated his life to helping others. He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, a founding member of the Briar Knoll Hunting Club, and was a past long time member and volunteer at the Dixon YMCA for over 30 years. Fred was also a volunteer at Heritage Square in Dixon, for Lee County Irish Heritage Society Events, Meals on Wheels, was a member of Knights of Columbus and helped build the hall, and Strong Member of the NRA. He loved canoeing, dancing, golfing, pheasant hunting, politics, reading, swimming, Italian food and day trips across the roads of Illinois with the dog. Pete was in the Navy and served as Chief Airman during World War II, from 1941 - 1947, in a PBY as a Flight Engineer and Gunner when needed. He was deployed in Nicaragua and Galapagos. He married the love of his life, Irene Manning, April 19, 1952, in Chicago at Holy Angels Church. She preceded him in death March 23, 2000. He was also loving father of his late daughter Debra, and also preceded in death by two sisters Rachel Olos and Antoinette Muccianti and one brother Angelo Petitti. He is survived by one son Thomas J. Petitti of Tuscon, AZ and one daughter Maria L. Mackey of Chesterfield, VA, 2 granddaughters Allissa Curtis and Angelica Ferrara and 3 great grandsons; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 10:00 AM in St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Keith Romke, officiating. Military Honors by the Combined Veterans Group will follow the Mass at the church. Fellowship luncheon will be served following the Mass. Entombment will be private at Calvary Cemetery in Winnebago. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Heritage Square and St. Anne Church in Dixon.