Jerry Petitt

Gerard “Jerry” Petitt, a life-long resident of Long Beach, CA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Jerry was born at the 32nd Street Naval Base in San Diego, CA. He was born on March 21, 1953 to Jack and Gloria Petitt. He attended school at Carver, St. Cornelius, St. Anthony's and graduated from Millikan High School in 1971.

Most of Jerry's professional life was spent as the owner and operator of a small business called Petitt’s Plumbing. He was adored by many of his customers and often offered services free of charge because of his big heart. He ran the business for 25 years until he was forced into an early retirement after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Jerry was an amazing athlete. He competed on the US surfing team and raced motorcycles (even appearing in the original film “Gone In 60 Seconds”). He covered miles and miles of Long Beach on his skateboard and even once rode down Signal Hill backward on a bike! He played softball and racquetball for many years and was a hobby enthusiast. He enjoyed betting on horses at the Los Alamitos racetrack where he took his wife, Paula, on their first date. He married Paula in February of 1991 and became a step-father to Emily and Elizabeth.

Jerry loved animals, the desert, music, the ocean, 7Eleven coffee, and his family. Jerry was a good listener and was kind to all. There will never be another Jerry Petitt. We will miss him so very, very much.

Jerry is survived and adored by his wife Paula of 29 years, his children Emily (Kevin) Roden and Elizabeth (David) Barnard, his seven grand-children - Rosie, Luke, Abigail, Frank, Pearl, James Dixon, and Benjamin, and his sister Dianne Petitt (Lesley McBride), and his brother Jack (Debi) Petitt.

A service will be held to celebrate Jerry's life at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jerry’s name to Parkinson’s Resource at https://www.parkinsonsresource.org or planting a tree in honor of Jerry in San Bernardino National Forest at https://www.alivingtribute.org/ .

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401