Mr. Reuben J Pettiford Sr Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Reuben James Pettiford III, affectionately known as Sonny, was born at 6:00 am on April 9th 1936 in Harlem Hospital in the City of New York to the late Reuben J. Pettiford and Julia Rascoe Pettiford. Reuben was educated in the NYC Public Schools attending P.S. 68 and 89 and Fredrick Douglas Junior High School. He then attended Commerce High School; which later became The Met. After high school Sonny went into the army where he did his basic training at Ft. Jackson in 1955. He then was trained as a medic at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas and Ft. Lewis, Washington. He finished his service at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Upon leaving the service Sonny returned to New York City, he went to work at the Manhattan VA Hospital. He then began employment at the NYC Jacobi Hospital and Albert Einstein College in the Bronx. After six years Sonny went to work for the New York City Transit Authority and soon after, he decided to transfer to the New York Police Department. He graduated from Rockland Community College in New York, Ramapo College in New Jersey, and New York University in New York City where he received his MPA. Upon graduating from NYU with honors, Sonny was awarded a fellowship by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation in New Jersey, then taught at Texas College. Reuben was also one of the original members of the National Action Network under the leadership of the Reverend Al Sharpton in the Village of Harlem. Since moving to Fayetteville, North Carolina, his civic involvement continued at the City Hall information desk; Fayetteville Technical Community College. He served as a note taker for special needs students; Citizens on Patrol (COPS Program), and playing music for veterans at the Ramsey Street VA Hospital. Preceded in death by his loving parents, sister Ruby Pettiford and son Michael Gary Pettiford, Reuben leaves behind to cherish his memory; his wife Ann Pettiford, son Reuben Pettiford IV (Lisa Pettiford), daughters Glenda Pettiford, Julia Josey (Chris Josey), Rhoda Sexton (Joe Sexton). His grandchildren; Sajuan Pettiford, Sidale Wise, Nasia Wise Rogers, Robert Pettiford, Jennifer Pettiford, Christopher Pettiford and Joseph Sexton. He also leaves behind; his only great grandchild, Julissa Rogers, his special niece Valarie Pettiford and a host of nieces and nephews, valued church members, family and friends. We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life, we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you but, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. -Lovingly Submitted by the Family

Tributes

Mr. Reuben J Pettiford Sr

April 9, 1936 - April 25, 2020