John Petricco

Guilderland - John Petricco, loving husband of the late Elena (Festuso) Petricco, died Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital. John was born on January 25, 1926 in Schenectady to the late Frank and Maria Petricco. John proudly served his country during WWII and the Korean conflict as a Signalman and Quartermaster in the U. S. Navy. He received many medals, including the World War II medal, the National Defense medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal, the European African Eastern Campaign medal and the American campaign medal. During both tours, he was often called upon to act as the official photographer. He delighted in recording events for his shipmates and the history of the U.S. Navy. In 2013, John had the opportunity to be part of the Honor Flight for WWII veterans. He enjoyed a wonderful day in Washington visiting all of the war memorials and receiving recognition for his military service. John and Elena were married September 6, 1952 and was a devoted and loving couple. They spent their leisure time together, golfing, skiing and traveling. John was a ski instructor for over 30 years at Gore Mountain and took great pride in introducing family, friends and colleagues to his love of skiing. He was also a member of the Canadian Ski Alliance and the Albany Country Club for many years where he cultivated many long term friendships. John was an accomplished photographer and stained glass artist evidenced by the many beautiful works of art he bestowed on family members and special friends. John’s prestigious federal civilian career spanned over 50 years and began at the Army Depot, where he met his future wife and continued until he retired in 1998 as the Director of the Albany Field Office of the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). During his career at HUD, he served in many capacities and was often called upon for special projects and assignments. In addition to working in the Albany Office, he was also assigned to the New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and Puerto Rico offices. During his career, John received numerous awards and commendations; including the Department’s highest, Distinguished Service Award presented in1987 in recognition of his extraordinary service and an award from the Department of the Treasury at the time of the establishment of the Financial Management Center which services the United States. As evidenced by the amazing tribute he received from the NY State Association of Realtors, at the time of his retirement, John was highly regarded and played a major part in the local real estate community. In addition to his parents and his wife Elena, John was predeceased by his three sisters; Jenny DeLorenzo, Josephine DeAngelis and Elizabeth Myers, as well as his nephew Ronald DeLorenzo. He is survived by his sister Grace Friello of Florida, his brother-in-law, Eugene Myers of Connecticut, nine nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. He also leaves many friends and colleagues including Patti Warn, Donald Gillett, Madeline LaCasse and Tony Esposito who continued to visit and support John even as his health declined. During his last months, John was a resident of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center where he was affectionately called “Uncle John” by the staff that treated him with warmth, respect and loving care. John will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a loving son; husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and long-term friend. He acted as a mentor and advisor to many and will be remembered for his gift of knowledge to those he loved. He had a quick wit, an engaging smile and was always a gentleman, no matter what the situation. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 20th from 5-8pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Turnpike in Guilderland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 10am at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue, Albany. Interment with military honors will follow at 12:30pm at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.