Jack was truly a Renaissance man with many varied interests and talents. He was an excellent wood worker making everything from bird houses with his grandson (equipped with a camera to see the baby birds hatch) to adding a second floor to their home. Jack enjoyed good wine - Italian Amerone was a favorite - alongside good food. A dry martini was a happy hour favorite. Jack and Ann hosted many dinner parties with Ann as the chef and Jack doing the prep work.
Jack and Ann belonged to more than one bridge club and played bridge regularly for many years, sometimes travelling to participate in tournaments. Travelling the world and exploring out of the way places were planned every year. Recently, Jack and Ann safaried in Africa - one of the many highlights of their travels. A travel tradition was Barbados each November. Jack and Ann got to know the people and loved them, keeping in touch during the year.
While Ann was the runner in the family, Jack was her sidekick cheering at each marathon that Ann completed literally around the world. Jack chose to stay in shape working out with his buddies at the gym and going for lunch after their workout.
But what is remembered most about Jack is that he was humble, kind, generous, dedicated to his faith, his family, and his friends. He had a great smile and fabulous hair. He bore his illness and limitations with grace and a smile and never complained. His passage home was a continuation of his life on earth - gentle, quiet and peaceful with Ann, the love of his life, at his side always.
A funeral mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Thursday, October 15th at 9:30 am. The family will greet guests from 9am until 9:30 am prior to the mass beginning. Burial will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Urban Ministries of Wake Co., 1390 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27603.
(https://urbanmin.org/give)
Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Petro family.
