Born: June 4, 1913
Died: September 25, 2014
Married: Frances Ross, Gayle Petty
Children: Linda Petty Nelson; William Petty; Richard Petty
Archibald Petty was a son of Ellsworth Petty and Catherine Wandruska Petty; brother of Clarence A. Petty and William E. Petty.
Tampa Bay Times, Oct. 5, 2014
PETTY, Archibald ("Arch"), 101, of Sun City Ctr., Florida, died peacefully Thursday evening at Life Path Hospice House, September 25, 2014 in the presence of loving family members.
Arch was born in Coreys, New York, son of the late William Ellsworth Petty and Catherine Wandruska Petty. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, William and Clarence, his first wife, Frances Ross Petty, his second wife, Gayle Petty, and his daughter, Linda Petty Nelson.
Arch was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School, served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army as an artillery training officer during World War II, and was a 1938 graduate of Cornell University. After retiring from a career as a Fisheries Biologist and Regional Manager with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, he continued his environmental advocacy through active engagement in numerous appointed and volunteer roles, championing the natural world through preservation and educational opportunities. Family and those who loved him knew he generously shared his vast knowledge, while maintaining an intellectual curiosity for the world around him throughout his life. In his later years, he was active in the Community Security Control, North Lake Yacht Club, enjoyed gardening, and drew particular pleasure captaining his pontoon boat. Family and friends find consolation in Arch's example of a 'good long life' which pivoted on an Adirondack-honed work ethic, commitment to the importance of his family, and abundant enjoyment of friends and community.
Arch is survived by sons, William, wife Suzanne, and Richard; grandsons, Adam Petty and Eric Petty; best friend, Margaret Rogers; and a considerable extended family. His family gratefully acknowledges the compassion and competence rendered by staff members at South Bay Hospital, Sun City Senior Living, and Life Path Hospice.
