Mrs Petzold, I graduated from Cedar Ridge in 1975, I worked in the office during my free time and Mr. Petzold was the whole reason I made it to college. He was always there for the students but for me he was special, he helped me when I had no where else to turn my senior year and managed to make me a better person for it all. I am saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man my prayers go out to you and your family at this time.

Dear Petzold Family,
 
Please allow me to offer my most sincere sympathies. So touched I am to learn of Mr. Don Petzold's passing and disappointed to have learned too late to pay my respects in person. Attending Cedar Ridge High School from 1977 through 1981 "Mr. Petzold" was my vice principal. Due to our kind of after-school activities I regularly had additional contact with Mr. Petzold beyond that of the usual student; often into the late evenings or even weekends. He'd written his home phone number in the event of an issue in his absence. Though Mr. Petzold was a very authoritative individual, he was also a mentor, patient, and a stabilizing force in our lives during high my school years. Despite being a busy fellow as a vice principal, his office door was always open for us on the spur of the moment and unannounced. His name had become a household familiarity and always came up in conversation with school friends of the era. Even decades later while reminiscing of younger times, talk of high school years would always bring mention of Mr. Petzold. Since he had left me with such a positive and enduring impression, and I was but one of countless students, I can only imagine how many people's lives were enhanced by Mr. Don Petzold. To have stayed in touch after my graduation might have been good, but we must all evolve with our past to move us into our future. 

Rest in peace Mr. Petzold, as the memories of you and your gifts of enrichment still carry onward.

Drake Pallister
C.R.H.S. Class of 1981

I took good care of Don for almost 4 years, he was a very good patient, friendly,he would eat anything that I would cooked for him. I will miss you Don, please send my love to Mark, Jeannette, Betty, AL, my son Al Jr., and to all our love one's. You're suffering and pain are gone now. You're dignity has been restored. Have a safe journey to heaven....

Dear Aunt Margaret and Chona and family:  my family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  Please accept our deepest sympathy. Love, Tom & Linda Najem and family

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Petzold.  I have very fond memories of him as Vice-Principal at Cedar Ridge High School.  Although a physically imposing figure he was a very approachable, kind and caring mentor.  He was a true gentleman.  I am very thankful he was a part of my life.  May God watch over you Mr. Petzold and may you enjoy ever lasting happiness and peace.  You truly deserve it.  Steve DiMeglio, CRHS '78.

Don was an awesome man. For the three years he oversaw my education he made a tremendous impact. He was one who, I believe, understood me, as much as a rebel I was. I cannot say enough to express the impact he had on me, and who I now am. He was a great man. It is with gray sorrow that with such short notice I cannot make the funeral or service. To his family, know I am on his debt for the inspiration and understanding he have me Rest Don. It's time..

Mr P was a nice man, I remember being called down to his office. Mom was there and he was there, I was like Mom....she said sit down David...I did he said, are you an Eagle Scout, I said yes sir, he said, are you in the OA, I said yes sir. He then said Barbara, my mom, how did you ever raise such a gentle son. She then smiled and he was already smiling, I said so I am not in any trouble...Nope he said you are going to represent Cedar Ridge at a all day youth even about young people and drinking and doing drugs. We think you would be a good peer leader and I would like to do a program for peer counseling and you would be the perfect one. He said great job David, Ill tell Dr Gaeta. He gave me a warm handshake. The program never got off the ground but I went away for a weekend and was cerified a peer counselor...RIP Mr P and thank you !

Dear Mrs. Petzold and Family, Mr. Petzold is such a wonderful guy. I used to live up the street on Dunbarton Rd. I have known Mr. Petzold for many years. I remember when I was a little girl I used to go to his house when he would have movie nights for the neighborhood. He would give me alot of popcorn and he always asked me if I want more. I would see him alot in his yard and he would always say hi to me when he saw me walking or riding my bike. Now Mr. Petzold is in a better place. No more pain and suffering. R.I.P Mr. Petzold

So sorry to hear about Mr. Petzold's passing.  He was the vice principal at Cedar Ridge the years I was there.  I remember him as being very fair & always calm & understanding.  He will be missed.

Kathie O'Hara Kinder
CRHS class of 1974

Margaret, Chona and Family, Don is in a much better place now.  No more pain and suffering.  Our thoughts and prayers to you all.  Connie & Ron

Dear MRs. Petzold,  I was so sad to receive this news.  Mr. Petzold was a GREAT Vice Principal and an even greater man.  He touched the lives of all of us at Cedar Ridge High School.

Sincere sympathies.
Patti Brown Mulligan

Mr. Petzold--On behalf of myself and my brothers and sisters, you will be remembered forever. You were our vice principal in the 70's.  Many, Many memories after all these years...
Nancy Nagy Kneipp

Mrs. Petzold and family,
I am sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Petzold well from CRHS. He was an awesome person.
Debbie Branch Gervera

As a former Cedar Ridge student (class '75), Mr. Petzold touched our lives in a very positive way. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  Jayne Burnett (Cotton)

Dear Aunt Margaret and Chona,
My family's thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult year. I will always fondly remember our trips to Jackson and our Thanksgiving's together, whether they were celebrated in New Jersey or here in New England. My love and prayers to you all...
Lisa Carter & children

Dear Margert                                       Sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Don. Our prayers and thougths and prayers go out to you ,chona and the grandchildren.With love and sympathy the Erving family.EDWARD ERVING'S FAMILY.

Mrs. Petzold,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Don was always bigger than any man and even kinder.  He and Mark will be greatly missed.  You and your family are in my prayers.
Arlene

Our family has been blessed, gifted and honored that with all the beautiful, funny and joyful memories that our family had all shared together. You've been an inspiration to all of us including the people that got to know you in the past and through the years, highly intellectual, your amazing sense of humor, your dedications in between your career and family. I had the most wonderful time meeting  you before Mark and I got married, you were the epitome of a loving father in law and grandfather (from your only child Mark)  to Gunner, Cheyenne, Morgan and Jordan. You and Mark were the most remarkable and unforgettable human beings that I will always remember as long as I live. We will miss you both, our hearts are bleeding, and shattered right now due to your loss and Mark as well .....love will never end for both of you,  may you and Mark find peace, comfort with no more pain, sufferings in your everlasting  and a blissful life in heaven, God's kingdom and paradise.....We will always love you dad and grandpop....Chona Petzold and your grandchildren

Dear Margaret-
We are deeply saddened to read of Don's passing. Our prayers are with you, Chona, and your grandchildren as you entrust him to the tender embrace of God. We recall many happy times in Oakley Hill. The Halloween movie nights you hosted by you and Don were  memorable events for all the neighbor children. You alway graciously opened your home to host the "Plant and Cookie Exchanges."  This has been a most difficult year for you and your family. We pray that you will find solace in the love and support of friends and family.

Dear Aunt Margaret, Chona and family.
You have all had a very tough year so far. I have many wonderful memories of Uncle Don and Mark, and you, Aunt Margaret. Remember August 1965 and the New York Worlds Fair? That was a great trip! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Love, Brian

Mrs. Petzold-On behalf of myself and my parents, Joseph and Lauretta, we'd like to extend our condolences to you, and Mark's family, as well.  We'll keep you all in our prayers.  Mr. Petzold was a giving, hardworking individual.  I remember him plowing the sidewalks in Oakley Hill on his lawn tractor for his neighbors, keeping the home owners association going, and movie night (Halloween?) in your driveway.  And all the while, you by his side.  Thank you for all of those great memories.  Better days are ahead.  I almost forgot...thank you for tolerating all of that Jethro Tull music Mark and I would listen to upstairs!

Mrs. Petzold,

I was so sad to hear that Mr. Petzold had passed away.  Some of my most very favorite memories growing up include you, Mr. Petzold and Mark!  There was absolutely nothing better than coming to your house for Christmas Eve and also to watch Halloween movies outside in your driveway!  I think of you all so often and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love!

Dear Margaret, Chona, and family,
We are saddened to learn of Don's death.  We have so many, many happy and wonderful memories of Don, the vice principal extraordinaire.  We remember him with much fondness and send all of you our prayers and deepest sympathy.  Rest in peace, Don.  Yours was a life well-lived.
Skippy and Pete Delaney

Aunt Margaret, we are so sorry. We think of you often. Barry and I often think of the fun times we had at Seaside Heights and that is the way we will remember him. You, Chona, and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Len, Kristen, and Barry

OBITUARY

Donald Michael Petzold

January 7, 1936 – April 14, 2012

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