Joseph Frederic Petrozelli

Joseph Frederic Petrozelli (Joe) was born in Plainfield, New Jersey where he spent his childhood. He received a B.S. in civil engineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. A member of Sigma Nu fraternity and social chairman of the Lehigh chapter, Joe also served as president, vice president and fraternity house manager at various times. After finishing his degree, Joe moved to southern California to launch his engineering career, but fairly quickly moved to the bay area to work for Bechtel where he stayed until he retired.

At Bechtel, Joe’s work largely focused on nuclear power plant design which gave him the opportunity to make many trips to Japan, a country he particularly admired. Outside of work, he enjoyed several trips touring Europe and Mexico as well as visits to India, China, and Egypt.

Although Joe was a talented scuba diver, he loved to free dive for abalone off the Mendocino coast. For forty years he hosted a weekend camp out and abalone cook-off where friends gathered to eat great food, play music, tell jokes, and enjoy each other’s company.

Joe’s true passion was food. He was a brilliant home chef who liked nothing more than to spend a day in the kitchen. He also loved eating good food. He would rhapsodize about how he had been transformed by an interesting flavor or ingenious culinary preparation. His enthusiasm for great meals will be missed.

Joe passed peacefully in his beloved home surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Raye Petrozelli. He is survived by his wife and partner of 30 years Janet Grogan; numerous cousins, notably Victoria Wells; and by a lifetime of happy memories. When those he loved delight in outstanding tastes, laugh uncontrollably, and make lots of noise, Joe will be beside them, sharing in their joy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s honor to the Stanford Cancer Institute

https://medicalgiving.stanford.edu/ways-to-give/memorial-and-honorary-gifts.html