Vincent Petrella

Vincent D. Petrella, 85, of Mansfield, died Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at North Central Ohio Hospice House, Ashland. Born March 9, 1922 in Dover, he was the son of Joseph and Elvira Petrella. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in WWII and was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division. He was extremely active in getting his Marine company back together in Canton, Ohio for reunions from 1983 to 2005. Vincent earned a degree from Ohio Wesleyan and a master's degree from The Ohio State University. He was also the boys director at the Friendly House from 1951 to 1956. Vincent was particularly proud of his work with Young Boys Baseball in the '50s and '60s. He was a teacher and building principal in Mansfield City Schools and did some football coaching. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Vince was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Jennie Petrella, whom he married September 21, 1951; four sons, Roger Patty Wirick Petrella of Galion, Joseph Diane Petrella of North Canton, Paul Barbara Petrella of Reynoldsburg, Vincent Margaret Petrella of Westlake; daughter, Debra Charlie Benick of Mansfield; 13 grandchildren, Ariel and Ashtin Petrella of North Canton, Kevin, Kristin, Anthony, and Vincent Petrella, twins, Joseph and Michael Petrella, all of Reynoldsburg, Matthew and Elizabeth Petrella of Westlake, and Charlie, Joseph, Bradley Benick of Mansfield; three great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Jack and Joey Lencyk of Middletown, Delaware; sister, Annabelle Zalack of Grand Blanc, Michigan; and brother, Jack Petrella of Dover. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank Petrella; and sister, Molly Petrella.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors where a Vigil Service will be held at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 25 at St. Peter's Catholic Church conducted by Father Tony Borgia. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Council will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, Ohio 44805.