Pettiford, Cello Laertes

Cello Laertes Pettiford, 63, of Berwyn, IL, died peacefully on August 5, 2022, from a heart attack. Preceding him in death were his father Oscar C. Pettiford (the renown jazz musician) in 1960, and stepfather Luther C. Griffin (interior decorator) in 2002.

Cello was born October 8, 1958, in Manhattan, N.Y. A month later, he and his mother joined his father, who was in Europe on an extensive tour with “Jazz at Carnegie Hall.” Thereafter, the family moved to Copenhagen, Denmark where his twin sisters were born, and where his father suddenly died from a rare polio-like virus. The family returned to America when Cello was 6 yrs. old. He grew up in Chicago, where his mother remarried, and his youngest sister was born.

After elementary school, and upon his completion of high school at Lane Tech, Cello joined the U.S. Military, which became his lifetime career. He served as an Army Medical Specialist. While stationed at Fort Riley, he met and married fellowsoldier “Mimi” (Mar y Ellen Howell), became a parent of 2 sons, and attended Kansas State University for a BA Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon retirement he served in the Army Reserves training recruits; joined the Illinois National Guard; and obtained an AAS honors degree in Paralegal Studies, at Wilbur Wright College, Chicago. He was currently pursuing a degree in Inner City Studies, at Northeastern Illinois University.

Cello was an avid lover of baseball, jazz, good food, and family; but his greatest love was God, the Holy Trinity, and people from every walk of life! He was a peacemaker who truly resembled “... the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Surviving Cello are: “Mimi” and 2 sons: John C. (Marty) Pettiford, Cello L. (Brittany) Pettiford II; his mother: Jacqueline Pettiford Griffin; 3 sisters: twins Cellina L. Pettiford and Celeste V. (Tim) Jones, Sarah Griffin (Alex) Diaz; surrogate brother: Anthony Pass (lifetime B.F.F.); 5 grandchildren: River & Niles; Cello III, Solana, & Lotus; 2 nieces: Ashley, Samantha; numerous kinfolk and friends; and “Taco” - his beloved pet dog! Cello will be deeply missed by all.

Interment will take place at the Sauk Prairie Cemetery, Sauk City, Wisc.

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