Theodore "Ted" F. Petzolt

GARDNER - Theodore F. Petzolt, 92 of Pearl Street, Gardner, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Friday, February 8, 2008 in the Baldwinville Nursing Home, Baldwinville. He was born in Gardner, on March 9, 1915, the son of the late Albert and the late Ludwika (Borkowski) Petzolt. He grew up in Gardner and was educated in Gardner. He was very proud to be a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy. He entered the Naval service on July 15, 1943 at Fort Devens; and received boot training at Camp Peary, VA. He served in the Pacific Theater where he served at Pearl Harbor, Midway and in the Philippines. He received the following decorations and citations; the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1945 as a Machinist's Mate Second Class, USNR, 123rd Construction Battalion (Seabees). Mr. Petzolt was employed for 22 years at Kuniholm Manufacturing Company as a Press Operator. From 1962 - 1973 he was a cook at the former Gardner State Hospital and from 1974-1980 he worked as a security guard while the State Hospital was being transformed to the prison. He retired in 1980. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church. He raised and raced pigeons for more than 50 years, he was a member of the Gardner/Ashburnham Pigeon Club and the Worcester Homing Club for many years. He loved to tend to his vegetable garden which he had every year last year being the first without one. He was a very loving a caring person who loved his family very much, especially the light of his life his granddaughter Kimberly. He leaves one daughter, Diane Dawson of Gardner; one granddaughter, Kimberly Dawson of Gardner and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his four brothers, Michael R. Petzolt, William J. Petzolt, Edward E. Petzolt, George K. Petzolt, and by one sister, Stella Petzolt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 9:00 am in St. Joseph's Church, 358 Pleasant St., Gardner. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Poliks Funeral Home 431 Pleasant St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to American Cancer Society's, New England Division Office, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Transitional Care Department of Heywood Hospital 250 Green St., Gardner, MA 01440. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.poliksfuneralhome.com. Poliks Funeral Home 431 Pleasant St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });