Stephen R. Petronio

Born in San Francisco, California in 1959, Steve spent his early years in the Bay Area where he played baseball and was active in the Boy Scouts and band. In 1972 the family relocated to Connecticut, where he continued with his scouting and played in the jazz ensemble in school. He graduated from Wilton High School and attended the University of Connecticut where he played rugby. He went on to earn a law degree from the University of Detroit in Michigan.

Steve began his impressive career as a defense attorney for a private law firm outside of Detroit, followed by several years in Kmart’s legal department. He spent most of his career as a corporate attorney in the contracts division of Exxon Mobil. Steve travelled extensively to negotiate on major energy projects. Overseas postings included Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, and United Arab Emirates. Steve returned to corporate headquarters in Houston Texas where he continued supporting projects around the world and led the training program on international contract development and negotiations for new project managers globally.

Retiring to Sarasota, FL, Steve was an avid sports enthusiast, from baseball and football to hockey and F1 racing.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Emil R. Petronio in January 2026 and his mother Joyce T. St Pierre in 1975.

He is survived by his stepmother Claudia Petronio and siblings Susan Petronio (Francisco) Julie Premo, Carol Smith, Matthew Petronio (Mary). As well as nephew Mitchell Premo (Nataly), and nieces Stephanie Premo, and Emily De Lucas (Cole). Although he did not have the opportunity to meet them, he was blessed with two brand new grand nephews, Crew De Lucas and Rocco Premo.

The family will be holding a private service in Sarasota.

In lieu of flowers, Steve requested donations be made to Retina Research Foundation at https://retinaresearchfnd.org or Suncoast Community Church at www.suncoastcommunity.com