Douglas F. Pettaway, Sr.

Douglas Frederick Pettaway (Doug) was born on May 17, 1955. He unexpectedly fell asleep in death on June 7, 2022.

Doug was raised by his loving parents, John and Estelle Pettaway who preceded him in death. The raised him in Brooklyn, New York. His parents insisted on giving him a well-rounded education which included learning to play the piano from a young age. He did great renditions of their favorite songs. He graduated from John Dewey High School in 1972 where he exceled in school and developed the love for handball.

He married the love of his life, Claudette, on March 29, 1975. The had a wonderful marriage and friendship until she preceded him in death on February 29, 2020. This loss brought on the saddest period of his life. 

Their loving marriage produced three songs and two grandchildren. John; Douglas(Dougie) and his daughter Lanieya; Daniel, his wife Charlene with a daughter soon to come. Words cannot express the devastating sadness and emptiness they are experiencing.

Doug was deeply loved by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, their children whom he loved and considered his own nieces and nephews, his cousins. his large extended family, and many friends.

Doug's Parents were Jehovah's Witnesses, and they instilled in him deep love for the true God, Jehovah. This love moved him to symbolize his dedication to serve Jehovah on July 19th, 1969. He joined the Theocratic Ministry School at a Young age and became an excellent public speaker. He was known for giving heart felt talks in congregations throughout New York. He served his God to the best of his ability until his death. Jehovah will not forget the love he showed for his name and his efforts to help others love and serve him.

His life was not without trials. He developed an eye illness that eventually caused him to have very limited vision. This did not deter him from his service, even serving for time as a pioneer, as full-time ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses are called. When there was work to be done at the Kingdom Hall, Doug could always be counted on to be there. He and Claudette were known for their warm hospitality and loyal friendships. The young ones in the congregation knew they could turn to Doug at any time for encouragement and sound guidance. The older ones knew that they could count on his love and support. There has always been a Pettaway in The Vanderbilt Congregation since its inception. There will be a hole in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. We will wait patiently for Jesus to call Doug, and all those we love, back to life again.

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