There are a handful of people I have known in Fishers government since starting this local news blog in January of 2012.  One of them was Eric Pethtel, long-time leader of the Fishers Department of Public Works (DPW).

He died February 16 after a long bout with cancer at the age of 60.  Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, at his recent State of the City Address, announced Mr. Pethtel’s retirement and the city’s action to name the DPW facility after him

Fishers has been known as a place, as a town and later a city, that always took good care of local streets, clearing the snow in the winter and filling potholes in spring.  Eric Pethtel led the staff that handled those situations so well for so many years.

I had the pleasure of knowing Eric, recording two podcasts with him and found him to be a top-notch professional in his field, but at the same time down-to-earth and easy to talk with.

Visitation will be at the Hamilton Hills Church, 10293 East 126th Street, Wednesday, February 26, 1:30-3:30, with a celebration of life to begin at the church at 3:30.  Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.  You can see his full obituary at this link.

Eric Pethtel will be missed…by all that knew him well and those that benefited from his long association with Fishers DPW.  It is a personal loss for me.  This was a difficult story to write.