Obituary of Howard Gregory Petty

Howard Gregory Petty was born June 1, 1947, in Highland Park Michigan. He was the oldest of five children born to Howard Lee Petty and Eunice Ella Izetta Goode-Petty. Gregory was baptized at Madonna Catholic Church by the first pastor of the Parish, Father Diana. Gregory attended Madonna Elementary School where he participated in sports and served as an altar boy. He later attended St. Benedict Catholic High School where he continued his participation in sports and the arts. He was renowned for his impressive lead role in the school play: "Fiddler on the Roof". Following High school, he earned an Associates Degree from Highland Park Community College and continued his education at Eastern Michigan University and Sacred Heart Seminary. During his teen years he became known affectionately as: "The Pope of Pilgrim Village." He joined Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity while at Eastern Michigan University. Gregory was united in marriage to Susette Dale Robinson on February 10, 1973. Two sons were born to their union: Jason Gregory and Justin Randal. Both Susette and Jason preceded him in death. Gregory was employed by the State of Michigan for over 40 years. He last worked as a Mediator for the Department of Civil Rights. On September 18, 2011, Greg was united in marriage to Candace Chivis. He and Candace worked together for many years and enjoyed fine dining, traveling and the arts. Greg was a very active, iconic image in his church and community. As such, he served in numerous capacities as a spiritual leader, choir member, football coach, mentor, and Boy Scout leader. He was an intellectual literary giant and lover of all musical genres. Greg enjoyed many different philosophies including Rosicrucianism. He was a very devoted husband, son, father, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife Candace, his mother Eunice, son Justin (Angela), siblings, Janice, Diane, Harold (June), and David. He leaves behind many loving relatives including his nieces, Erika Dillard, Tiffany Taylor (Maurice), and Jennifer Petty, a nephew, Lance Trimm, grand-niece Madison Taylor and a grand-nephew, Maurice Taylor Jr., a circle of brothers (Morris, Billy and Kenny), as well as a host of devoted relatives and friends.