Emery Petras

Emery Petras, age 85, passed away May 16th, 2025 peacefully, joining his beloved wife, Carole Petras (nee Kmetz), in eternal rest. He was a devoted father to Gregory Petras (Bethany), Christine Miller (Bradley), and Nicholas Petras, and a proud grandfather known lovingly as “Da” to Andrew, Allison, and Benjamin Petras. Emery was the dear brother of Lawrence (Carole), the late Rita Slivka, Martin (Kathy), and Paul (Margaret) Petras. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Petras (nee Petko). A proud graduate of Holy Name High School, Class of 1958, Emery went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Following his military service, Emery began a long and dedicated career with AT&T, retiring as a central office technician. Much of Emery’s early life was spent on his family’s dairy farm in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania. It was there that he learned the meaning of hard work and developed a deep love for the landscape—nestled among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania. He especially cherished the autumn months, when the vibrant fall foliage painted the countryside in brilliant colors. A passionate model railroader and lifelong train enthusiast, Emery never missed an opportunity to “train watch” with his children and grandchildren. These shared moments brought him great joy. Emery’s deep Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. He prayed devoutly to Padre Pio and the Blessed Mother and was a longtime parishioner of Saint Paschal Baylon Church. There, he found community and strength through daily Mass and an evening prayer group, both of which he attended faithfully. Emery also held a deep affection for both Niagara Falls and his Canadian heritage. He treasured every trip to the Falls with his wife and children, and he carried a special fondness for Lethbridge, Alberta—the birthplace of his father. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at DiCicco & Sons Funeral Home, 5975 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Paschal Baylon Church. Interment will take place at All Souls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218