Family man Nick was active in community
HUGE CROWDS paid their respects to well-known Killinick man Nick Pettit, following his recent passing.
Nick (79) was born in August 1938 in Ballyduskar, Killinick, the youngest of eight siblings. He was reared on the family farm with his siblings Paddy, Jim, Toddy and Eileen, and the late Willie, Sean and Rita.
As a teenager, he served his apprenticeship as a mechanic at Statham’s Garage, Wexford town where he met numerous colleagues, many of whom would remain lifelong friends. He later worked at Roche’s Garage, Killinick before opening his own business in the village. His garage was well known for social visits and it was not unusual to find Nick’s friends and customers propped up on oil drums, deep in conversation.
He married his wife Teresa in 1968 and they had five children Brendan, Mary, Anthony, Liz and Nicola. He built their family home at Ballyduskar Lane, Killinick. He had nine grandchildren - Adam, Evan, Sam, Tara, Niall, Laura, Eve, Grace and Shay.
Nick’s love of GAA and, in particular, St Fintan’s GAA Club was immense. He played for the club in five separate decades and was also a manager, selector, coach, fundraiser and loyal supporter. He was chairman of the development committee that oversaw the purchasing of club grounds and the construction of the clubhouse. For the past number of years, Nick was President of the club.
He was very active in the community and the parish, and had been a member of the Parish Council since its inception. He was also known for his love of horse racing.
Nick passed away peacefully at his home on December 9, surrounded by his family. His wake and funeral over the following days was attended by huge numbers. His funeral Mass was held in Ballymore before Nick was carried to his final resting place in the nearby graveyard, with a guard of honour provided by the GAA club. His grave is situated in the shadow of the goalposts of the adjoining St Fintan’s GAA pitch.
His wife Teresa and the family would like to express their appreciation to all who helped them over this difficult time, and to the huge numbers of people who attended to pay their respects. They also expressed their thanks to all of the medical professionals who cared for Nick in recent times.
He will be sadly missed by family, extended family, relatives and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.