Beloved Berlin Little League President Mourned

BERLIN, CT — The Berlin Little League community is mourning the recent loss of a longtime volunteer who dedicated decades of his life so children of all abilities could play baseball.

Wilfred “Bill” Petit Jr., a longtime Berlin resident and business owner who spent decades leading Berlin Little League and expanding opportunities for local athletes, died Saturday, Aug. 22, at his home. He was 78.

Berlin Little League announced Petit's death in a tribute to its longtime president, describing him as a leader whose influence extended to generations of children in the community.

“It is with heavy hearts that Berlin Little League announces the passing of Wilfred ‘Bill’ Petit Jr., a man whose dedication to our league and our community left a legacy that will never be forgotten,” the organization said.

Petit was born in New Britain to the late Wilfred Petit Sr. and Thelma Tuller Petit and lived in Berlin for most of his life, according to his obituary.

He graduated from E.C. Goodwin Technical School in 1965 and served for several years in the Connecticut National Guard.

Petit also owned and operated Beautified Cabinets in Berlin for more than 40 years before retiring in 2010.

Much of his community involvement centered on youth baseball.

Berlin Little League said Petit served as its president for 34 years, while his obituary credits him with more than 40 years serving the league.

During his tenure, Berlin Little League celebrated numerous accomplishments, including state championships in 1986 and 2004.

Petit also served on the Hartford Umpire Board and helped establish Berlin's Challenger baseball program for people with disabilities, according to his obituary.

Berlin Little League said the Challenger Program was one of Petit's greatest sources of pride because it helped ensure children had an opportunity to experience Little League baseball and softball.

“But Bill’s legacy cannot be measured only in championships or years of service,” Berlin Little League said. “It can be seen in the thousands of boys and girls he helped shape through Little League, young athletes who learned about teamwork, sportsmanship, friendship, perseverance, and community on our fields.”

Petit was also an avid New York Yankees fan.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Derosier Petit; two sons, William “Billy” Petit and his wife, Karen, of Berlin, and Steven Petit and his wife, Sylvia, of Newington; and three granddaughters, Jessica, Nicole and Leah Petit.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathy Alkas; brother-in-law, Fred Alkas; and several nieces and nephews.

Petit was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Gail Ann Petit and Nancy Petit Paul; and a niece, Dawn Doty.

Berlin Little League said Petit's influence will remain visible whenever another generation of local children takes the field.

“His impact will continue to be felt every time a child puts on a Berlin uniform and takes the field,” the league said.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, followed by burial at Maple Cemetery in Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, 79 Retreat Ave., Hartford.

“Thank you, Bill, for 34+ years of dedication, leadership, and love for Berlin Little League,” the organization said. “Your legacy will forever be a part of ours.”