Obituary of Antonio Rocco Petrella

Antonio Rocco Petrella

Antonio Rocco Petrella, passed away peacefully at the age of 98, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his home in Crest Hill, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Lockport, IL, on August 8, 1925, the son of the late Venanzio and Concetta (nee Vallera) Petrella.

Antonio was a graduate of Joliet Central High School and enlisted in the United States Army in November, 1943.  He proudly served our country during World War II in the Asian Theater, serving as part of the Liberation Force of the Philippines. He earned three Overseas Service Bars, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, a W/2 Bronze Battle Stars w/Bronze Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, W/1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.

Antonio was a long time parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church in Crest Hill, a member of the VFW Cantigny Post 367, where he was the Past Post Commander, and retired from Union Oil after more than 40 dedicated years as a Union Laborer. 

When he wasn’t busy working, Antonio enjoyed relaxing with a fishing pole in his hand, gardening in the yard, and pouring his heart into his woodworking.  He made several custom pieces for family members, including cribs, rocking horses and airplanes!  Antonio loved being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their various sporting and artistic events.

Antonio is survived by his children, Stephen (Debi) Petrella, Bradley (Mary) Petrella, Diane (Paul) Habas, and Margaret (Mark) Lorenz; grandchildren, Laurica (Chris) Zitko, Matthew Habas, Philip (Libby) Petrella, Elyse (Matt) Lorenz-Dodge, and Kristin Petrella; great-grandchildren, Antolina and Cristiana Zitko, and Tripp Petrella; one brother, Albert (the late Bernice) Petrella; and sister-in-law, Evelean Petrella. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Petrella; his parents; and his siblings, Adeline Capitti, Guido (Helen) Petrella, Sam (Rosemary) Petrella, and Frank Petrella

Visitation for Antonio Rocco Petrella will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL from 10:00 a.m. until the time of dismissal prayers at 12:00 noon. A committal service in the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, would be appreciated.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.