On September 27, 1936, David James Pettitt was born in Riverside, California. The youngest of five children, David grew up working in the fields of a watermelon farm where he developed a love for growing things. David cultivated his passion for gardening and his desire to learn about the natural world throughout his life. He knew each plant, animal and insect by its scientific name and could identify every bird by its song. An avid reader, David enjoyed his vast library of books and listening music of all kinds.

In 1964, David graduated from the University of California at Riverside with a PhD in organic chemistry. He had a successful career as Vice President of Research and Development at Kelco, a division of Merck & Company in Kearny Mesa, CA, where played a key role in the development of Xanthan Gum. David subsequently consulted for Archer Daniels-Midland until he retired at age 71.

David and Carleen Blackburn were introduced by mutual friends from Kelco in 1987 and married July 3, 2000. They enjoyed traveling the world together, spending time with friends in their gourmet club and bridge group, attending theatre, concerts and movies, and relaxing at home by the fireplace on cool winter evenings.

David taught his children to work hard, and to be generous and kind to those in need. He was a firm believer that you should never kill spiders, you need to eat the crusts on your bread (it's the most nutritious part!), you should never overcook vegetables, and you should always slip a bite from your dinner plate under the table to the dog.

After a long battle with dementia and a short battle with cancer, David passed into eternity on July 1, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Carleen Blackburn-Pettitt of Poway CA, his four children Pam (Wes), Marcia (Rich), Anita (Jon), Brian (Chantel), stepsons Harry and Matthew, 19 grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Noah.