Warren R. Petty, 90, of Fayetteville passed away peacefully at home Friday, March 3, surrounded by his family. Warren is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beatrice , his two daughters, Beatrice (James) Hailes of Chester, NJ and Susan (Allen) Horn of Pomfret Center, CT as well as two grandsons, William Wishart and Allen Horn IV.
Warren was born in Clarks Summit, PA. He served during WWII in Germany in the Infantry, 4th Armored Division. After the war ended, he attended classes in Biarritz France as part of the GI University program. He was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University in PA and earned a Masters Degree in Science Education at SU.
Warren taught school for 2 years in Mexico, NY followed by 30 years at Fayetteville-Manlius as a biology and earth science teacher, later serving as chairman of the science department. For twenty years, he wrote science questions for the New York State Regents examinations. In 1976, he was recognized by the National Association of Biology Teachers as the outstanding biology teacher in New York State.
Warren was truly a renaissance man with an array of outside interests and talents that ranged from gardening, history, antiques, travel, wood working, quilting, writing, and lecturing. He could do anything he put his mind to. As a founding member of the Manlius Historical Society, he served as co-chairman of the Exhibits Committee for ten years. He was a contributing author to their three-volume series of books chronicling the history of the Fayetteville-Manlius area. He was a devoted parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Through his long years as an educator, Warren influenced the lives and careers of countless students. Even decades after his retirement from teaching, he continued to receive touching letters of thanks from students.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Monday, March 20th at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 106 Chapel Street, Fayetteville 13066 to be followed by a reception in the parish hall.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to The Manlius Historical Society, PO Box 28, 109 Pleasant St., Manlius, NY 13104 or to Trinity Episcopal Church, 106 Chapel St., Fayetteville, NY 13066.