Obituary of George Edward Pettinger Jr.

CANANDAIGUA —George Edward "Pete" Pettinger, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully Wednesday (January 17, 2024) at F.F. Thompson Hospital with his loving family by his side. In keeping with the family's wishes, there will be no calling hours. The memorial service will be 2:00 PM Saturday (February 3, 2024) at the Geneva Presbyterian Church, 24 Park Pl, Geneva, NY 14456 with a reception to follow. Rev. Colin Pritchard, pastor of the church, will officiate. Pete was born December 23, 1932 in Lake Placid, NY, the son of Catherine Capps and George Edward Pettinger, Sr. He was a 1952 graduate of Lake Placid High School. Pete was a nationally-ranked figure skater. Later, he became a corporal in the Army during the Korean War. An electrician by trade, and at one time owning his own business, Pete worked on everything from houses to skyscrapers to off-shore oil rigs, working during the latter part of his career as an Electrician Foreman with G & C Electrical of Columbus, NJ. In November of 1975, he married the love of his life, Lois, whom he enjoyed spending time with at their home on Seneca Lake. His grilled steak, brushed with a blend of powdered sugar and yellow mustard, was a favorite request of his family. Pete was an avid fisherman who loved being with his family and pets, reading, listening to Big Band and Dixieland Jazz, discussing politics and history, and mixing martinis, but his favorite pastime was sitting in a chair on the beach with his wife and dogs. Pete is survived by his loving wife, Lois Kay Thayer Pettinger; sons Craig Edward Pettinger, Russell Edward "Skip" (Kelly) Kincaid and Philip George (Asako) Pettinger; daughters Kathleen Jo "KJ" Deal and Meghan Kay (Teri) Kincaid; nieces Cathy Heller and Melissa Heller-Booth; nephew Rick Heller; his grandchildren Caroline, Jackie, Jeremy, Amanda, Kimber, Ryan, Alissa, Warren and Elizabeth; several great-grandchildren and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Mary (Bob) Heller and Cynthia (Bob) Strite; daughter Cheryl Ann Pettinger Solberg; son-in-law Jack E. Deal; and grandson Joshua Luke Deal. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 1344 University Avenue, Suite 270, Rochester, NY 14607, or The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.