Dennis L Pettry, Sr.

Dennis L. Pettry Sr., 74, of Vermilion, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mercy New Life Hospice following a lengthy illness.

Born on March 26, 1951, in Charleston, WV, Dennis had been a resident of Vermilion for the past 43 years where he built a life around family, community, and his passions.

He retired from the Ford Motor Company in Lorain, where he worked for 28 years, retiring in 1997. Beyond his career at Ford, Dennis was a deeply respected figure in the local martial arts community. He was a master of Tang Soo Do Korean Karate and shared his knowledge and discipline with countless students as the proud owner and operator of Pettry’s Martial Arts, later known as Harbourtown Martial Arts, where he dedicated much of his life to teaching and mentoring. Through his work, Dennis instilled values of discipline, focus, and self-respect in countless students. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched both inside and outside the dojo.  Dennis also enjoyed fishing, boating, playing sports, and had played on several bowling and softball leagues.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Christina Pettry and Lisa Haponek  both of Wakeman, OH; son, Mike Neff of Elyria; grandchildren, Brandon Pettry of Cleveland, Sierra Sanchez of Lorain, Brittany Hernandez of Lorain, Isabella Neff of Elyria, Olivia Kurpley of Killeen, TX, Tori Brown of Lorain, Mariah Carter of Akron, and Noah Capers of Elyria, 9 great grandchildren, and his sisters, Sharon (Rodger)Griffith of Amherst, OH and Brenda (Sheridan) Smith of Waynesburg, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Byrd Charles and Edith (née Wiley) Pettry; his son, Dennis Pettry Jr.; daughter, Carrie M. Neff; and brother, Bobby Pettry.

Dennis will be remembered for his strength, his love for his family, and his dedication to his craft. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched.

In accordance with Dennis’s wishes, no public services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbourtown Community Church, 873 State Street, Vermilion, OH 44089

Online condolences can be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.