Robert Petrie

Born December 27, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio, “Fleet Foot Petrie” graduated from Toledo Waite High School in 1946. He was a two-year captain of the Track team, and lead his Cross Country team to four consecutive city titles and three district championships, placing fifth in the State Cross Country meet in his senior year. He continued his running career at Bowling Green State University, taking a break in the middle of his studies to serve his country in the Korean Conflict as a Senior Control Tower Operator from November 1951 through October 1952.

He returned to BGSU in 1952 and soon graduated with his teaching degree. It was during his first teaching job in Sandusky that he met Ann Herlan, and they were soon married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dayton on August 30, 1956. They settled in Dayton and both began long careers in the Dayton school system. In 1968 they realized the American dream and bought a home in Kettering.

Bob and Ann devoted their lives to the Dayton School system, and countless students knew "Mr. Pete" as not only a teacher, but also as a coach, referee, mentor and friend at Irving and Miami Chapel Elementary Schools, and later, Wilbur Wright High School. No matter how much he enjoyed teaching, coaching, officiating and working with kids though, all that was secondary to his one priority: his family.

After their retirement they spent much of their time in their favorite vacation destination, Indian Lake, eventually calling it home. Coach was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 9927, serving in various offices, and a member of the American Legion Post 598, Masonic Lodge 147, Harvest Chapter #564 O.E.S., the Eagles (Aerie 3615) and the Moose (Family Center 1533).

Each season was special to Coach in its own way. Winter meant running the high school gym floors in a "Zebra Shirt", bowling with friends, or spending an evening dancing with Ann. Spring brought the track season. Summer meant family time: camping, fishing, catching the occasional game at Crosely Field, or just hanging out in the yard. But Fall was his favorite season; the first hint of a nip in the air, the warm smell of freshly fallen leaves, cross-country meets, and football, but most of all a new group of “his kids”.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved Ann and a daughter (Ruth Ann), and is survived by a son Mark (Laura) of Marquette Michigan, Sister-In-Law Nancy Wetzel (Bob) of Indian Lake, four nieces (Susan, Sara, Sherri and Stephanie) and a nephew (Steve), and dear friends Jan Turner and Shirley Retterer.

A memorial service will be held at Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel 5471 Far Hills at Rahn Rd on Saturday, June 30 at 3:00, with visitation beginning at 1:00 In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice. On line condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com