We are saddened to announce that William (Bill) Lewis Petitta, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on August 8th, 2023 after complications in gallbladder surgery and a battle with Sarcoidosis.
Born in Newport Beach, CA to Frank Lewis Petitta and Joan Elizabeth Bush. He grew up in different areas along the state of California until attending high school at Big Bear High. In school he lived his passion playing and excelling in sports like baseball and water polo. It was there he and his family met very dear friends that led them to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Soon after joining the church he chose to serve a mission. It was there he came to love the Spanish language, and implemented it into his life every way he could until the day he died.
After his mission he went on to live with friends in Utah. These friends then introduced him to his loving and dedicated wife of 37 years, Holley Whiteley. They were married in the Salt Lake City, UT temple.
They spent their lives raising their 4 children. Bill loved watching movies, playing sports, and dominating at card games with his kids.
He was a very active and enthusiastic person that could make friends with anyone. His love and passion for baseball connected him deeply to his children and people across the world. He took great pride in coaching and sharing his knowledge about baseball.
Bill inspired many with his optimism and positivity despite his many challenges, and never ever complained despite his struggles. Bill and Holley relied on each other and the Lord to get through hard times. He will be remembered for his faith and trust in God’s plan for him.
The family would like to thank the many friends that loved Bill throughout his life and health journey. Thank you to the countless nurses and doctors that worked with Bill over 17 years of struggles with sarcoidosis.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Survived by his wife Holley, their children Maddisen Wagner (Joe), Mindy Fillmore (Travis), William Hayden Petitta (Ashley), John McKay Petitta (Chalese). His grandchildren William Easton Petitta and Tilly Grace Wagner, Nolan, Hugo, and Greer Fillmore, and William Knox and Emmi Rae Petitta. His stepmother Linda Hepfl Petitta and his siblings Joanne and David James, Frank and Desiree Petitta, Mike and Nancy Petitta, and John Ryan and Stephanie Petitta. And many other nieces and nephews.
There will be a viewing held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E.1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 on Thursday August 17th from 6:00-8:00pm. There will be a viewing Friday, August 18th from 9:00-10:30am with a funeral directly after at 11:00am at his ward building 7784 S. Highland Drive (2000 E.) Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.
Please send flowers to Larkin Sunset Lawn at 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. For those wishing to send other monetary donations to Holley, please send through venmo to @HaydenP34.
Sweet Holley and family
We have always loved your sweet family. Our hearts hurt so much for each one of you. We know your husband and father was very loved and will be missed every day. He will never leave you. We can’t imagine the heartache you feel. He was a good and kind person. I still remember him giving Randee an Utah football jersey because they had a bet he made her laugh so much. He drove right over after the game and gave her the shirt and sang the school song. She was so excited. He knew how to make youth smile. and have fun. We are thankful we were in your ward and we knew Bill and your sweet family. We love you, we are so very sorry.
Holley and family, we are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was an amazing person, seminary teacher, and friend. We have fond memories of Sarah sharing stories from him in seminary. We will always remember you both coming to her concert performance in school because you wanted to show her love and support. May God bless you all during this time.