Leny Orlando Petteway Sr.

Leny Orlando Petteway, Sr., of Waterbury, CT, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Thursday, May 16, 2024. He was born in Jacksonville, NC, August 4, 1936. He was predeceased by his father and mother, John N. and Lovie (Blackwell) Petteway and his wife of 67 years, Sallie (Gray) Petteway. His family was very important to him, and he did everything to make sure they lacked for nothing. He and Sallie had a very special relationship and when you saw one, you always saw the other. They would communicate “loudly”, nonetheless, they were always there for each other. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments, giving tough love when needed. He instilled knowledge in his children that they will never forget, and can pass on to their children. He enjoyed life and was happy being able to spend time with family especially the Sunday dinners. He loved to cook, some of his specialties being chopped barbecue, collard greens, chitin’s, lima beans and his famous crackling bread. He loved working on cars or tinkering on something in his garage, most people wouldn’t believe that he had a motorcycle, a Harley Davidson, he loved being on the open road, traveling to Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and throughout Connecticut, to name a few. Leny loved to visit his family in Jacksonville, NC. He was always trying to see how he could shorten a 13-hour ride. One time he said he arrived in 11 hours and was proud of that fact. He was a man of faith, believing God would see him through every situation. He encouraged you to always pray as prayer changes things. He was a strong and independent man, respected for the knowledge and wisdom he shared and persevered no matter what the challenge. He was a caring person and encouraged those around him to not give up on their endeavors. He didn’t mince words, had an opinion about absolutely everything and, wanted things done his way and if not his way, you were doing it wrong. Leny joined Christ Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, April 26, 1964, under Reverend JC Thomas. Dearly called Bro. Petteway for a long time, he was well known in the CME Connection. He held the positions of Recording Steward, Trustee and Chairman of the Trustee Board, and Lay Leader. He always sang in the Senior Choir and the songs he led were a testament to the life he led, “I don’t feel no ways tired, I’ve come to far from where I started from, nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me”, “In times like these, you need a Savior”, “He Saw Me”, “God Specializes”, “Mary Don’t you weep”. His clap when a song sounded good, can’t be copied, and “Yes Lord”, when in agreement with the Pastor are his trademark. His walk down the center aisle, that celebrity wave and smile, we are going to miss terribly.

Leny is survived by his son, Mark (Kim) Petteway; Daughters, Lovie (Dennis) Roscoe and Gail (Michael) Hardy, all of Waterbury; Son in law, Michael Campbell of Hamden, CT, and Crystal (Petteway) Russaw of Bristol, CT. Eleven grandchildren: Drew Roscoe, Duron Roscoe, Jeniaya Petteway, Shawn Hardy, Jordan Petteway, Malik Petteway, Taya Campbell, Sgt. Isaiah (Kailynn) Petteway, Bryan Hardy, Maiya Campbell and Mekhi Petteway. Four great-grandchildren: Daylen Roscoe, Demir Roscoe, Nola Stevenson and Davion Roscoe. One brother, Monte Petteway, Jacksonville, NC and one sister, Erdella P. Moore, West Hyattsville, Md., and his American Bulldog, Jazzer. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. In addition to his wife, Sallie and his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Blanche and Otelia, brothers, Mark, O’Hara, Durwood, George White (Trout), his oldest son, Leny Jr., and daughter, Roslyn Campbell.

A celebration of Leny‘s life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Christ CME Church at 11 AM. Viewing in Church from 10 AM to 11 AM. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Colonial Funerals, 270 West  Main Street, Waterbury CT and James R. Sanders Funeral Director. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.