Dr. Paul Herschel Pettit Junior passed away on June 16, 2025.
A native of Ocean City, New Jersey, Paul was the son of Dr. Paul Herschel Pettit Senior and Dorothy Seymour, and grandson of Dr. Herschel Pettit and his wife Jennie. Both families long-time beloved residents and physicians of Ocean City. Paul was the oldest of 4 children, Randall of Marietta, Georgia, Barbara of Greenville, South Carolina and Judy (deceased) of New Hampshire.
He was born on December 30, 1941, in Miami, Florida. After attending public school in Ocean City, New Jersey, he entered Princeton University in 1959 and graduated in 1964 with the A. B. Degree with a major in chemistry. He attended Duke University Graduate School from 1964 to 1965 earning his master’s then entered Lehigh University in the fall of 1965 for his PHD where he was supported by an NSF Research Assistantship.
Brilliant is a word to describe Paul who has multiple patents demonstrating his incredible dedication to his research in the chemical industry. Known for his humorous yet sarcastic New Jersey wit, Paul loved playing golf, boating along with playing the banjo and guitar.
He has three children, Michelle, Brian (wife Sahar), Nick (wife Kate) and four grandchildren, Beckett, Jacob, Teddy and Tilly. He loved his family deeply and credited them with his success. His wife Su mourns him deeply as all of us do.
He will be missed.