Blaine Steele Petta made lots of friends in his 17 years, and they weren't just his classmates at Coronado High School.
Parents and teachers saw things they admired in the young man - character, selflessness and a sense of maturity unusual in someone his age.
On a drizzling, cold Thursday morning in May 2001, more than a thousand teens and grown-ups alike filled a south side Colorado Springs church for Steele's funeral, one week after a gunman shot him while robbing the subway sandwich shop where he worked.
Teachers, parents and friends took turns at a podium paying tribute to the popular student, who had been on the wrestling team and student council. More than anything, though, he was an uplifting presence in the school.
Blaine would do anything for anyone. He was everyone's friend.
Blaine had worked since he was 7 years old and touched so many lives. His mom, dad, brothers, and friends will never forget him and always will cherish this wonderful young man taken way to soon.
Blaine was born Jan. 24, 1984, in Mesa, Ariz., to Ella R. and Mark J. Petta. He is survived by his parents; five brothers, Richard Steele, Paul Petta, Randall Petta, Brian Petta and Matt Simpson; his grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Petta; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Russell K. and Donna J. Steele.
Blaine will always be our "Little Train"
Heartfelt Thanks to Sparkysgrl for sponsoring Blaine's Memorial.
Parents and teachers saw things they admired in the young man - character, selflessness and a sense of maturity unusual in someone his age.
On a drizzling, cold Thursday morning in May 2001, more than a thousand teens and grown-ups alike filled a south side Colorado Springs church for Steele's funeral, one week after a gunman shot him while robbing the subway sandwich shop where he worked.
Teachers, parents and friends took turns at a podium paying tribute to the popular student, who had been on the wrestling team and student council. More than anything, though, he was an uplifting presence in the school.
Blaine would do anything for anyone. He was everyone's friend.
Blaine had worked since he was 7 years old and touched so many lives. His mom, dad, brothers, and friends will never forget him and always will cherish this wonderful young man taken way to soon.
Blaine was born Jan. 24, 1984, in Mesa, Ariz., to Ella R. and Mark J. Petta. He is survived by his parents; five brothers, Richard Steele, Paul Petta, Randall Petta, Brian Petta and Matt Simpson; his grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Petta; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Russell K. and Donna J. Steele.
Blaine will always be our "Little Train"
Heartfelt Thanks to Sparkysgrl for sponsoring Blaine's Memorial.
Blaine Steele Petta made lots of friends in his 17 years, and they weren't just his classmates at Coronado High School.
Parents and teachers saw things they admired in the young man - character, selflessness and a sense of maturity unusual in someone his age.
On a drizzling, cold Thursday morning in May 2001, more than a thousand teens and grown-ups alike filled a south side Colorado Springs church for Steele's funeral, one week after a gunman shot him while robbing the subway sandwich shop where he worked.
Teachers, parents and friends took turns at a podium paying tribute to the popular student, who had been on the wrestling team and student council. More than anything, though, he was an uplifting presence in the school.
Blaine would do anything for anyone. He was everyone's friend.
Blaine had worked since he was 7 years old and touched so many lives. His mom, dad, brothers, and friends will never forget him and always will cherish this wonderful young man taken way to soon.
Blaine was born Jan. 24, 1984, in Mesa, Ariz., to Ella R. and Mark J. Petta. He is survived by his parents; five brothers, Richard Steele, Paul Petta, Randall Petta, Brian Petta and Matt Simpson; his grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Petta; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Russell K. and Donna J. Steele.
Blaine will always be our "Little Train"
Heartfelt Thanks to Sparkysgrl for sponsoring Blaine's Memorial.
Parents and teachers saw things they admired in the young man - character, selflessness and a sense of maturity unusual in someone his age.
On a drizzling, cold Thursday morning in May 2001, more than a thousand teens and grown-ups alike filled a south side Colorado Springs church for Steele's funeral, one week after a gunman shot him while robbing the subway sandwich shop where he worked.
Teachers, parents and friends took turns at a podium paying tribute to the popular student, who had been on the wrestling team and student council. More than anything, though, he was an uplifting presence in the school.
Blaine would do anything for anyone. He was everyone's friend.
Blaine had worked since he was 7 years old and touched so many lives. His mom, dad, brothers, and friends will never forget him and always will cherish this wonderful young man taken way to soon.
Blaine was born Jan. 24, 1984, in Mesa, Ariz., to Ella R. and Mark J. Petta. He is survived by his parents; five brothers, Richard Steele, Paul Petta, Randall Petta, Brian Petta and Matt Simpson; his grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Petta; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Russell K. and Donna J. Steele.
Blaine will always be our "Little Train"
Heartfelt Thanks to Sparkysgrl for sponsoring Blaine's Memorial.
