Local Joseph W. Pettit celebrates 100th birthday

Joseph W. Pettit has spent a century building a life marked by military service, professional dedication and devotion to his family.

Pettit, who was born Aug. 9, 1926, in New York City, celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday. The Town of Yorktown recognized the milestone by proclaiming Aug. 9, 2026, as Joseph W. Pettit Day. The Town of Somers did the same, since Pettit lives near the border of the two communities.

Supervisor Ed Lachterman and the Town Board honored Pettit for his World War II service and a lifetime of commitment to his family, community and country at Tuesday’s Town Board meeting. He also attended a birthday party at Traditions 118 over the weekend.

The milestone was marked with a letter from the White House, signed by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump; a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Rep. Mike Lawler; proclamations from the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the Town of Somers; a citation from the New York State Assembly; and, of course, multiple celebratory cakes.

Raised in the Woodlawn neighborhood of the Bronx, Pettit enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1944 at age 17. He completed specialized training at the U.S. Navy Anti-Aircraft School at Price's Neck, Rhode Island, followed by advanced combat training with the U.S. Marine Corps.

During his training, Pettit earned the second-highest marksmanship score and received the Sniper Medal Badge. In November 1944, he was assigned to a Navy Construction Battalion Regiment and promoted to Petty Officer Third Class before deploying to the Pacific Theater.

Pettit served alongside a U.S. Marine division on Saipan and Tinian in the Mariana Islands through the end of World War II in September 1945. After the war, he remained on Saipan, where he served at a Marine prisoner-of-war camp, guarding Japanese prisoners and helping rebuild roads, bridges and buildings.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy in April 1946.

Using benefits provided through the G.I. Bill, Pettit returned home to complete his high school education before attending Iona College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951.

In May 1968, Pettit married Madeleine Kelly. The couple built a family together, raising five children — four sons and one daughter — and later welcoming a granddaughter, Kaitlyn.

Pettit also enjoyed a 45-year career as a manager with an insurance specialty company. He retired at age 77 after decades in the industry. Even at 100, Pettit remains active and still drives.

In recognizing Pettit's 100th birthday, the local community highlighted his military service, perseverance, humility and dedication to his family.

The proclamation states that Pettit's century of life has "exemplified the highest ideals of military service, civic responsibility, perseverance, humility, and devotion to family," and described his life as an inspiration to generations.

The town expressed “profound gratitude for his distinguished military service during World War II, his enduring legacy of courage, honor and dedication.”