Patrick A. Petrella

Construction Business Owner

Punta Gorda, FL - Patrick A. Petrella, 90, died on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newark, he grew up in Plainfield and resided in Central Jersey until his retirement to Florida in 1982.

Patrick was honorably discharged as an Ordinance Instructor after serving in the United States Army stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland during WWII. After being discharged, he started Petrella Brothers Construction Company with his three brothers; Ralph, Louis and Anthony and later formed an independent company called Compet Inc.

Patrick was a man of strong religious faith and was a past member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society of Mount Bethel Roman Catholic Church located in Warren and a past member of the Metuchen Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling and dancing with his wife Louise. While residing in Punta Gorda, Patrick was a communicant of Sacred Heart Parish.

Patrick was predeceased by his sister Madeline and by his brothers Ralph, Louis, Angelo and Joseph who was killed on the beaches of Normandy.

He leaves behind his wife of sixty-six years, Louise and his children; Joseph and wife Donna of Ringoes, Patrick and wife Kathi of Lumberton, Mary Ann and husband Ray of Punta Gorda, FL and Thomas and wife Kathleen of Walworth, WI. He is also survived by his brother Anthony of Bethlehem, PA, his sister Doris of South Plainfield and by his twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 4, 2008 beginning 9:15 AM at McCriskin - Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart RC Church in South Plainfield.

Entombment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery Mausoleum.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the funeral home on Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM and on Friday from 8:45 AM until service time.

In Lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Saint Jude Shrine, The Pallottines, 512 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.