Frank Gino Junior Petrella

Frankie, age 42, passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022, of an accidental overdose after a long battle with addiction. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Jane and Bob Radloff; his brother Van

Petrella; sister Trisha Cheesman; son Drace Petrella and daughter Mia Carr-Petrella, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Frankie never wanted to be defined only by his addiction and mistakes, he was so much more than that. Frankie was funny, athletic, and charismatic - with a happy, easy-going personality that made him easy to love even as he struggled with his demons. He was loyal to his family and friends, at times, to his own detriment. He had a soft heart, often hidden behind swagger and bravado, that would shine through when you saw him in an unguarded moment playing with his children. He loved music and had a surprisingly spiritual side for those who took the time to listen. He was someone who would fearlessly leap off a cliff into a lake without a second thought only to dash off with a (hilarious) squeal at the mention of any sort of snake. He was a dreamer with so many plans and a joker, who loved to make

people laugh. He loved the outdoors and was annoyingly good at any sport he tried.

That was Frankie… a man who should be remembered for this and not his mistakes. Frankie felt deep shame for his addiction and failures and was someone who never understood how much he was loved and admired by those around him. He found faith early in his life but struggled to live up to his own expectations. Frankie wanted to live. You might have passed him on the street and not seen that, but he did. He had dreams of getting back on his feet and reforging bonds with his family that had been broken. He wanted to finish his apprenticeship. He wanted more time.

He went to rehab, he fought against himself, but couldn't break the hold substance abuse had on his life. Addiction doesn't discriminate, it will take hold and destroy anyone in its path including the families and people who love them. Frankie’s death will be reported as another statistic in the opioid crisis. He was an addict and to most people, on the outside, his life looked ugly and wasted. But, he was so much more than that. He was a son, a father, a brother, a friend. He was a gift that the world lost and that can never be replaced.

…and Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4