Calvin Jordan Pettey

Calvin Jordan Pettey, first-born son of Madie Lee Pettey and Calvin Jordan Pettey, Sr. was born in New York City on June 6, 1921.  He departed this life silently on August 30, 2016, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, following a lengthy illness.

Calvin was a brilliant, gifted child who excelled academically.  He was a proud graduate of Peter Stuyvesant High School, Johnson C. Smith University (an all-male college at that time) and the University of Michigan, pursuing Graduate Studies.  He definitely lived up to the legacy of his namesake and grandfather, Bishop Charles Calvin Pettey, an eminent theologian and educator, well-documented in the Annals of The African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church and The Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture.

He served honorably in World War II in the United States Army as an officer and gentleman, utilizing his skills and technical training in Engineering.  After the War, at a relatively young age, Calvin attained employment with the Sperry-Rand Corporation as an Engineer, where he remained in full-time employment until his retirement.  His supervising responsibilities encompassed international travel and high level decision making.

He was happily married for almost 40 years to Audrey Parker Pettey (who has predeceased him).  They were united in matrimony on July 11, 1972 by Calvin’s first cousin, Justice Edward Richard Dudley of the Supreme Court, State of New York and the first African-American Ambassador of the United States.  Calvin took pride in Audrey as a loving wife, accomplished Educator, and Principal with the New York City Department of Education.  She was well-respected for her lifelong, devoted service to the youth and parents of the Harlem Community.

Calvin and Audrey were blessed with many golden years of retirement together.  Aside from enjoying all the finer pleasures of life and varied personal interests, they were both unselfishly committed to the care and comfort of their aging parents.  They were also very gracious in giving of their time and resources to friends and other family members, often imparting gems of wisdom in patiently lending a listening ear, as needed.

Calvin’s siblings who have predeceased him include:  Jacqueline Pettey Duncan, Dayton, Ohio; Charles Richard Pettey, Kingston, NY; and Corine Viola Pettey of New York, NY.

He leaves to cherish his memory – one brother,  Lee Clinton Pettey, Glen Cove, NY; four nieces and nephews:  Sharon Pettey Taylor, New York, NY; Teresa Duncan Cox, Fremont, CA; John T. Duncan, III  (Leah), Redmond, WA; Todd C. Duncan (Janet), Dayton, OH; seven grand nieces and nephews:  Malik E. Taylor, New York, NY; Jacqueline and David Cox, Fremont, CA; John T. Duncan, IV, Jonah and Dalton Duncan, Redmond, WA; Sydney and Jackson Duncan; Dayton, OH; first cousin – Eva Cassey, New York, NY; one sister-in-law – Margaret Pettey, Kingston, NY and a host of other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention.