Mary Ann Petitte

Mary Ann Zucal Petitte, age 82, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, August 23, 2106, surrounded by loving family members, in New Dawn Retirement Community at Dover, after a period of declining health.

Mary Ann was born July 29, 1934, in New Philadelphia, to the late Robert and Margaret Danko Zucal. She and her brother, Robert "Bob" Zucal II, grew up on the family farm in Baltzley Valley and in town at New Philadelphia. She enjoyed telling stories about the adventures she and Bob, who she often called "Sonny," shared in their youth. The two visited daily over the past several years, and she often said of Bob, "He may be the only brother I have, but I wouldn't trade him for anyone else."

A 1952 graduate of Midvale High School, Mary Ann was a member of Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. She was employed by Isaly's Dairy and Belmont Stamp and Enameling Co., both at New Philadelphia, and retired after many years of service from Bag-N-Save grocery at Dover. Mary Ann married John L. Petitte on May 2, 1953, and the couple shared nearly 35 years together prior to John's passing on April 18, 1988.

Mary Ann loved bluebirds, which included and watching and feeding them. She also loved to laugh and talk about the trips she and her dog took through the Dairy Queen drive-through window Mary Ann paid for her ice cream cone and the D.Q. staff always gave a free cone to her dog. Additionally, she was fond of game shows and Notre Dame football. Mary Ann was a very kind and gentle soul who had a soothing personality, and could strike up a conversation with anyone.

She is survived by her four sons, Daniel (Becky) Petitte of Sugarcreek, Kevin (Denise) Petitte and Robert (Cheri Tarulli) Petitte, both of New Philadelphia, and Ronald (Dawn) Petitte of Cape Coral, Florida; her brother, Robert Zucal II of New Philadelphia; her 14 grandchildren; her 16 great-grandchildren; and her several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, John, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Joanne Zucal, and her daughter-in-law, Patty Petitte.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m., in Sacred Heart Church; Fr. Tyron Tomson will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in Sacred Heart's St. Ambrose Hall. In keeping with Mary Ann's wishes, visitation will be private for the family. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Mary Ann, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Mary Ann's memory be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.