Americo Petrilli

Americo Petrilli was born in Casalivieri, Italy on May 8, 1928. As a boy, Americo enjoyed spending his time making his own toys from wood he found around his home. At the age of 19, he travelled with his older brother, Michael, and their mother, Filomena, to Swissvale, PA to meet their father, Giacinto, to work with him in the steel mills. In 1950, Americo was drafted in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan for two years. On May 31, 1956, Americo married Anna Rea and in 1958, their son Anthony was born. After being smitten by the beauty and opportunity of the West, Americo moved his family to Hawthorne, CA in 1964. His father, mother, and brother’s family soon followed. Americo was a carpet layer by trade, and from time to time he would work with his brother Mike in construction. Americo was a creative man and enjoyed spending time in the garden, solving jigsaw puzzles, leathersmithing, and grilling steaks every Saturday. He loved Italian Operas and was fortunate to visit Italy many times throughout his life. Americo was a quiet and gentle man who loved his family very much. Americo is survived by his wife Anna, son Anthony, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandchildren, Angela and Joseph.

Arrangements under the direction of Holy Cross Mortuary, Culver City, CA.