Alvin Joseph Petit

Alvin Joseph Petit, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather departed this life peacefully at his home on March 1, 2021. He was 99 years old. Born November 6, 1921, he was the eldest son of Walter J. Petit, Sr. and Telitha Johnson. A native New Orleanian, he attended Craig Elementary and McDonough #35 Senior High School. Alvin joined the U.S. Navy and traveled the world as a machinist. There he developed a long-lasting love of boats, large ships, and COOKING! After returning from the Navy. He met the love of his life his late wife Lorraine Kelly Petit. Together they shared life with their children the late Dr. Valerie Petit Wilson (Melvin) and Adrianne Petit Mitchell. He later welcomed a son Andre Alvin Bloomfield (Kiante). After leaving the navy, Alvin worked as a television and radio repairman with the Allison B. Randolph company. He later found his true passion when he took a job with Nolan Marshall Photography. He started out in the darkroom, developing film and printing pictures, but soon became a studio and event photographer for the company. In 1959, photography took a backseat as he began his new career at the United States Postal Service. He started out as a mail carrier, then moved to special delivery. He was then tapped to train as a mechanic at the post office. He learned to troubleshoot and repair the huge and complicated letter sorting machines. His expertise and skill soon made him the ‘go to guy’ for problems no one else could figure out. In 2009, at the age of 88 he retired from the post office after 50+ years of service. In 1980, his life changed significantly when we joined the Zulu Club. He loved being part of the Zulu organization. He was a fixture at the Zulu club for many years, sitting quietly on a stool at the end of the bar, drinking his two nightly beers telling jokes and enjoying the atmosphere. Even throughout his years at the post office, he never gave up his love of photography. For many years he was the official photographer for Kelly School of Dance and the unofficial photographer for anyone who would ask. To this day, ‘Kelly Kids’ still call him ‘Uncle Alvin. At Zulu events, you never saw him without his camera hanging around his neck. Alvin was always a kind and gentle man, willing to share and help anyone who asked. His years of dedicated service at the post office and commitment to family were extraordinary. He didn’t make headlines, but he made an impact! He was an ordinary man, doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Alvin was preceded in death by his mother and father, wife Lorraine Kelly in 2009, and daughter Dr. Valerie Petit Wilson( Melvin) in 2018, brothers Raymond Sr (Iris), and Delton, Marion, Walter, Jr., and Withlaw, Sr., as well as sisters Emelda Petit Williams (Elvin Sr), and Helena Petit Toval (Louis Sr), Eunice Petit Belfield., brother-in-law Cyril G. Kelly (Doris). Alvin leaves behind to carry on his legacy a devoted daughter, Adrianne Petit Mitchell, son, Andre’ Alvin Broomfield, niece and caregiver Carliss H. Williams, brother Anthony Petit (Gloria) of Oakland, CA, grandchildren Marco J. Borne (Genean), Daniel L. Setlow, Craig A. Setlow Sr. (Christina) Marisa A. Mitchell, Andre Broomfield, Jr., Trey Broomfield, Kayden Broomfield, Jacob Murray, Kaelyn Murray James Vidal, and his pride and joy, his two great grandsons Craig Setlow, Jr. (CJ) and Korey T. Watson. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, priest and parishioners of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, also employees of the United States Postal Service-New Orleans main branch, past and current students and families of Kelly School of Dance and members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Inc. are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Blvd. Repast to follow at Zulu Roy Glapion Center, 730 N Broad Street. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences for the family. The family of Alvin Petit considers the safety of our community a top priority. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Lorraine Kelly Petit Foundation for Dance, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization which provides free dance classes for underserved youth in our community. Mail donations to LKPFFD , P.O. BOX 870576, New Orleans, LA 70187 or Cash App $ksdnola.