Rev. David M. Pettingill

February 7, 1937 - February 26, 2023

On February 26, 2023, Father David Michael Pettingill entered eternal life with a deep sense that he arrived home. He was 86 years of age. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Walter and Agnes, and his cherished Aunt Bess.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Francisco on June 9, 1962, and was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Patrick’s parish in San Jose, and then St. Patrick’s parish in Larkspur. He served with distinction in many other Archdiocesan appointments. As a faculty member at Marin Catholic High School, he taught English and oversaw the school’s theatrical productions with the indispensable help of his dear friends Bob and Lorraine Mellon. He was named the Principal of Marin Catholic High School in 1976 where he helped strengthen the school’s academic and pastoral programs. In the classroom, he found his métier, flourishing for decades as an outstanding instructor. Education was his life and in this role he became a legend. In 1998, he co-authored a book with Father Gerald Coleman, P.S.S., Following in the Footsteps of Jesus.

In 1984, he was appointed to the faculty of St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in Menlo Park where he taught homiletics and served as spiritual director, advisor, and Dean of Students. He demonstrated at the seminary and everywhere his exceptional ability to compose a homily that combined all the readings into a literate and coherent lesson.

In 1992 Archbishop John R. Quinn appointed him Pastor of St. Gabriel’s Parish in San Francisco, before naming him the founding Director of the School of Pastoral Leadership which prepared lay Catholics theologically and pastorally for parish ministries. In 2000, he became the Parochial Vicar at St. Emydius Parish in San Francisco and Director of the Permanent Deacon Program where he forged lasting and memorable friendships. He retired in 2007, living at St. Emydius Parish where he grew up and attended grammar school. During retirement he continued his laudatory work presenting worships and conducting retreats throughout California.

He was a priest of many interests, deeply skilled in knowledge of the Scriptures which he read and studied daily his entire priestly life. He loved the Broadway theater and for many years travelled there after Christmas to enjoy productions and to breathe in the New York atmosphere. Numerous friends accompanied him on these journeys. He was an avid reader of biblical commentaries, as well as literary books dealing with liturgy, famous plays and novels, which he often cited in homilies, retreats, and talks. He is remembered not only for his erudition but very importantly for his magnanimous sense of humor.

Visitors are welcome for Viewing on Sunday March 5, 2023 at St. Emydius Church, 286 Ashton Ave., San Francisco from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m., and at his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday March 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco. Burial in his family plot at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma.