Toby Stewart Pett was born in Beverly (as were his brothers as their father Dr. Morris Pett was the physician delivering babies at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester) on May 19, 1951 and passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He was the son of Dr. Morris and Fay (Gennet) Pett and the brother of Arley and Barry Pett. He was the uncle of Isabel Pett and brother-in-law of Miriam Pett. Toby grew up on Good Harbor Beach and went to Gloucester Public Schools until he transferred in high school to Cushing Academy. He also attended UMass Amherst. Toby took a summer school trip to Hawaii, though we think his love of the water led him to take two classes: Surfing101 and Surfing102. Toby also traveled to Iceland. Toby’s love of the water led him to his to loves, the water in different forms. His love of skiing led him to years of working in the ski industry, spending countless years skiing throughout New England. Toby was even known for having his own ski wax, which he shared with many friends. The greatest love of his life was sailing, and anything related to it. He delivered sailboats, worked on them, and sailed on sailboats, from run-abouts, to J boats. He even gave a sailboat to his niece Isabel. Toby also loved his home City of Gloucester, participating in many activities and causes. He was also a Gloucester City Councilor-at-Large from 1978 to 1979. He lived in many locations in Gloucester throughout his life, with his “retirement” years recently at Sheedy Park. Regardless of where he was, Toby had a reputation not matched by many, both in the kitchen and behind the bar!
Toby is also survived by many cousins and legions of friends from his early years, through work and pleasure; all were special to him.
A private, immediate family only, burial was held on Friday, January 19th at Mt. Jacob Cemetery in Gloucester.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring/summer, probably on the water. If anyone would like to help or contribute something to the celebration in Toby’s memory or honor, feel free to contact Arley, Barry, or Isabel.
If anyone would like to make a contribution in Toby’s memory, they can make a check out to the Gloucester Fund, with SailGHS in the memo section, and mail it to 45 Middle Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. You can also visit gloucesterfund.org to make a donation by Paypal or Venmo. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.