Mario Petrella

PETRELLA, Mario With family at his side, Mario was called by the Lord on Monday December 10, 2012 at the Brantford General Hospital after a prolonged illness. He was born on April 26, 1938 in Pedaso, Provincia di Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche Italy. He is predeceased by his wife Margherita, his parents Americo and Lina, parent-in-laws Giovanni and Gaetana and his brothers Elio, Quintino and Franco. Mario is survived by his children Luisa (Jim) and Franco (Mary-Louise); grandchildren Melina and Luca; brothers Antonio (Elvia) of Montreal, Vittorio (Silvia), Carmine (Sylvia), sister Marisa (Andrea); Brother-in-law Americo (Anna) and sister-in-law Vittoria of Pratola Peligna. Mario is also survived by a large extended family. As a child in Italy, Mario moved between Pedaso and Pratola Peligna as his father worked for the railway. After working in Paris, France for many years, Mario served in the Italian military. Upon his return to Pratola he started a correspondence with his childhood sweetheart. A ring of engagement was sent to Canada. In 1962 Mario immigrated to Canada. Mario and Margherita were married on February 2, 1963 and will be celebrating their 50 anniversary together in heaven. While in Canada Mario worked primarily as a welder for Massey Ferguson. Mario was active member of the Brantford community. He was actively involved with the Maria Ss. Della Libera Society acting as President and all other executive committee positions for over 40 years. Mario sang with the Italian Choir of St. Mary’s Church for over 30 years. He was the longest serving President of the Club Pratolano of Brantford. Mario is a past member of Rossini Lodge and the Italian Rossini Village Choir. Mario was passionate about his Italian culture and treasured our Sunday family dinners and celebrations. He shared his talents as a soccer referee and coach, as a handyman to whoever needed him. Mario enjoyed F1 Team Ferrari racing, hunting, bocce and making wine. He was a motorcycle enthusiast. Mario also served on the executive of the St. Basil’s chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Family and Friends may gather at Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home and Chapel, 96 West St. on Wednesday December 12, 2012 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 9. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 10:30am. Entombment to follow at Our Lady of the Assumption Masoluem. Parish Prayers along will the Knights of Columbus will take place at 8:30 pm. Memorial donations in Mario’s name to St. Mary’s Parish Building Fund is gratefully appreciated or charity of your choice. Special thanks to Dr. Edward Ho, the staff of The Mayer Institute of Hamilton and the nurses and PSWs on the Palliative Care unit of the BGH. Live, Love, Laugh - Vivo, Amo e Rido . THORPE BROTHERS, 759-2211.