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Portrait of Charles William Pettit
In loving memory of

Charles William Pettit

October 14, 1970 – July 11, 2024
Lived 53 years
Mount View · Olean, NY
"Music makes the people come together" - Madonna
Life story

Charles “Chuck” William Pettit, 53, of 2002 West State Street, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Buffalo General Hospital surrounded by family and loved ones.

Chuck was born in Olean on October 14, 1970, he lived a life full of adventure and of loving his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Chuck graduated from Olean High School in 1988, and continued his education by obtaining a master’s degree in psychology where he used those skills in his health care career. He was a naturally empathetic person and truly enjoyed helping people. Chuck had been employed at the Visiting Nurses Association in Atlanta, GA and more recently as executive Director of Willcare in Cattaraugus County.

Chuck was not affiliated with a specific church, he had a strong Christian faith and would often read his bible.

Chuck found immense pleasure in spoiling his nieces and nephews. While some of them lived in other parts of the country, Chuck always found ways to surprise them with gifts, messages, and phone calls. His home is full of photos of them together, memorializing the fun times they shared.

Chuck was a devoted pet owner from his childhood dog, Missy, to his own pets, Lola and Ciccone. Lola, his beloved dachshund mix was his constant companion for 14 years. Although she was small, she defended Chuck even when the gestures against him were in a joking manner. Chuck was devastated when she passed away in 2018. Chuck’s cat, Ciccone, was recently adopted by a family friend who loves and cares for her as much as Chuck did.

Chuck had a love for large cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Las Vegas. In fact, in the early 2000s Chuck made a life change and moved to Atlanta, GA from Buffalo. He moved back to Olean in 2023 to be closer to family and friends. Chuck never missed an opportunity to travel to New York City and Las Vegas. These trips almost always included traveling with his best friend of 25+ years, Elise Levia. Of course, drinking and gambling were always part of the Vegas trips!

Chuck loved music and was a lifelong fan of Madonna. Her music was the soundtrack to his life, and he attended many of her concerts. Chuck had a huge collection of Madonna memorabilia, which is a testament to his dedication as a fan. He not only quoted her lyrics, but he also had them tattooed on his body.

Chuck is survived by; his parents, William “Bill” and Betty Pettit; 3 brothers, Bob (Tom Matyas), Steve (Cathy) and Brian; 3 nieces, Delaney, Presley and Pearson; 2 nephews, Steven and Ethan; 2 step nieces; Briana Robinson Coogler and Amber Hanophy; his aunt, Deanna McCarthy as well as his best friend, Elise Levia. He is also survived by several cousins and many friends.

Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00am in the funeral home. Rev. Chad M. Sayers Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

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Lifetime

The world Charles knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1970
Born October 14
1970
Birth
1976
Charles was 6 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1977
Charles was 7 when Elvis Presley died
1981
Charles was 11 when MTV began broadcasting
1982
Charles was 12 when Michael Jackson released "Thriller"
1992
First Vegas trip Las Vegas
1994
Charles was 24 when "Friends" premiered
1995
Charles was 25 when "Toy Story" became the first fully computer-animated film
2003
First niece
2004
Second niece
2005
First nephew.
2015
Master of Arts Psychology Northcentral University
2023
Moved back to New York from Atlanta after 20 years
2023
Executive Director Willcare, Olean, NY
2024
Memorial video played on July 18, 2024 (Wake)
2024
Passed away July 11, age 53
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