John M. Petit

DENNISON, OH – John M. Petit, age 57, passed away on January 20, 2025.

Born on May 29, 1967 in Barberton, OH to the late Carl and Mary (Papp) Petit, he was a resident of Dennison, OH, previously of Canton.  John was a 1985 graduate of Chippewa High School who completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Akron and then obtained his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University.  He was employed by Community Legal Aid in Canton since 2006.  In 2024, Community Legal Aid honored John by naming the Canton office the John M. Petit Legal Advocacy Center.  In the same year, John was honored with the Kent and Paula Smith Life-Time Achievement Award by the Stark County Victims’ Rights Coalition for his 18 years of dedicated service.  John has also been a faithful Friend of Bill W. and had spent time studying to be a Jesuit priest.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Linda Petit, Kathy Worcester; brothers, Carl Petit Jr., Larry Petit.  He is survived by his wife, Lisa; sister, Carolyn (Craig) Hollis of Doylestown; nieces, Julie Thompson, Jessica Hollis, Sara Longfellow, Emily Worcester; nephews, Christopher, Jeffery, Brian, and Daniel Worcester, Nick Hollis, James Marazsky; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Kathy Caldwell; brother-in-law Billy Caldwell; sister-in-law, Jill Marazsky.

John was a man of great depth and passion with a sharp intellect and a devilish sense of humor. He had many loves in his life: mostly his family and friends, including Bob, Eric, Paul, Kent, Ryan, Jamey and many others; The Cleveland Guardians and Browns (he wanted to live until they won the Superbowl!); his dogs, especially Watson; travel, with a special fondness for Cuba and the cigars; cowboy boots, and being the grill master. But his greater mission was always advocating for lost causes, championing the disenfranchised, and fighting the good fight.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 31 at 11:00AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown, OH, 44230 with Fr. Peter Morris, Celebrant.  Inurnment will take place in the church cemetery. Celebration of Life will occur immediately following the inurnment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Legal Aid Services or to Cleveland Hope Lodge, American Cancer Society.  Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

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