Father John "Jack" Petuskey is warmly remembered as "a priest's priest" and no greater compliment can be bestowed by the clergy. He was the type of person that filled a room with his personality upon his arrival and was an extrovert of the highest order. Ordained in 1966 by Bishop Reed, his extraordinary ability came to the fore rather quickly.
Catholic education always was his love and passion. Appointed Catholic school superintendent in 1975, he served in that capacity until 1980. He taught at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in the 1970s and was natural in the classroom.
His assignment in 1989 to Saint John the Baptist in Edmond involved a mandate to establish Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School. It is now a thriving entity of nearly 400 students.
Countless parishioners in the churches he pastored recall his uncanny knack of getting the most from his people while allowing them to take ownership of whatever ministry in which they were involved.
A parishioner observed: "You never wanted to let Father down as he made you feel that no one else could possibly do this task as well as you." This deeply committed man would bring confidence that all would be well and thrive - and it did. One friend described him as a "take charge kind of guy" and that is apt.
He served the archdiocese in many advisory offices. Never shy about offering his opinion, his wisdom was usually spot on. Father Petuskey was particularly proud of his ecumenical work in finding common ground in the Catholic-Episcopal dialogue.
This consummate "go-getter" battled cancer with courage and ferocity for a number of years before his death in 2003. At his funeral Mass, Monsignor Gregory Gier offered this humorous insight about his dear friend: "I imagine Father Petuskey would sincerely thank each of you for being here today. Father Petuskey also would want each and every one of you to fulfill your stewardship pledge of time, talent and especially treasure."
Always the visionary and builder, Father Jack Petuskey left this life too soon at age 64. |