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Gale Petro Obituary
Born Oct. 8, 1956, in Scranton, son of the late George Pete and Ruth Kurisko Petro, he lived in Moosic for the past four years and was formerly of the Greenwood section of Moosic. He was formerly employed by Scranton Auto, All Seasons Motorcycle, Carbondale, and Jim Murray Kawasaki, Scranton, for more than 20 years as a small engine and motorcycle mechanic. He was a graduate of Riverside High School and was a member of the National Slovak Society L075, Duryea, and Margaret Pilosi Okres, Scranton. He was a lifetime member of the AMA and was founder and team manager of Team Turtle Racing. He raced in local, regional and national events, winning numerous championships, including the FIM Vintage Trials World Championship in Gunstock, N.H. in 2002; MAVT Twin B Championship in 2005; Advanced B championship in 2006; and District 6 Senior 45 championship in 2006; and many others too numerous to mention. He also competed in motocross, enduro and hare scrambles Senior B Division. He was the current leader in A and B Class observed trials in District 6. He worked as a tuner and mechanic at many races throughout the Mid-Atlantic states.
He lived for his motorcycles and loved racing and competing. He loved working on other people's motorcycles. His pride was his original 1973 Honda 500 with all original parts. He died doing what he loved most, riding his motorcycle with his friend, Brian Carpenter.
Also surviving are two stepsons, Robert Woodbridge, Scranton; and Sgt. Michael Woodbridge and wife, Sgt. Brownyn Woodbridge, both serving in Iraq; a stepdaughter, Lorraine Woodbridge, Nicholson; a brother, Fred Buddy Cramer and wife, Debbie, Duryea; three sisters, Lehrae Ann Edwards and husband, Gary, Duryea; Marlin Petro-Wesnak, Moosic; and Lucille Piccoletti and husband, Thomas, Old Forge; a brother-in-law, Michael O'Leary and wife, Susan, Barto; two aunts; an uncle; six nieces; seven nephews; and his cats, Thelma and Louise.
The family will receive friends Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Dorothy Talipski Funeral Home, 3401 Pittston Ave., Moosic, with a memorial service to follow. The family kindly requests no flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gale Petro
Mark Williams
March 23, 2008
Gale, I didn't know you well, but I knew that if you were in my class I had a challenge ahead of me. I always enjoyed your company and will miss your MAVT presence.
Have fun and I'll see you in dirt bike paradise. Until then, we will all carry on your spirit of doing what you loved.
Godspeed,
Mark Williams
Joe West
March 23, 2008
Gale,I will never forget you.When I arrived on the district six trials scene for the first time,you are the one that approached me first and introduced yourself and helped me register,helped me with the rules and ins and outs of competing.You also introduced me to other people and made me feel welcome on my first day.That's the kind of guy you will always be remembered by me.I believe we will all see you again someday.You will always be remembered in the trials community,and greatly missed.It's a stunning reminder that life is short,and tomorrrow is never guaranteed.You went doing what you loved the most.I will remember you always.
Tom Piccoletti
March 23, 2008
Gale,
I just wanted you to know you will be missed. You would always give me advice about buying a car weather or not it was a boat anchor. If I needed a tool or advise about a mechanical problem you would always be there for me and the family.I remember when you called me to come over and told me you found my son's first motorcycle. After he learned how to ride it, a day did not go buy when he asked me to get him a trials bike. I thank you for getting Michael interested in trials riding I tried getting him into riding ATV's but he wanted to be like uncle Gale on two wheels and no seat. I just know when I am yelling at him to get that bike off my picnic table or my car he will say Uncle Gale used to do it, or when Stephanie wants her first bike I will be looking up to the heavens and say Gale what bike do I buy? I just want you to know not a time will go buy when I am working on a car or bike and have a question, your name will come up that you would have known the answer.
Your Brother in-law
Tommy
Marlin petro
March 23, 2008
My reading to My Brother 3-21-08
MY BROTHER
I will be so lost without you
No one can ever even imagine what we had shared.
You were my Brother, My Friend, My World
You were always there for me no matter how stupid I was
You spoiled me with your love in so many ways
You just did and aksed nothing in return
Well Maybe a good Dinner
The life we shared was so unique
Our love for each other was so strong
Your love for my girls was so special
Each and every night we sat to eat
It would start with you and Sami
So what did you do at work today Uncle Gee
Ah fixed this, fixed that, it was crazy
And what did you do in school today Sami....? get another 100???
He was so proud of her.
Then Madi and you would start about your races and her competitions.
And of course who was going to bring home the bigger trophy.
His seat at our table will remain unfilled forever.
You were always my Scarecrow
The Brains behind everything
And Dorothy Gale said it best in the Wiz of Oz.
I WILL MISS YOU MOST OF ALL.
Love Your sister
Perkins
Madison Petro Wesnak
March 23, 2008
My reading on 3-21-08
Uncle Gee
Uncle Gee was my favorite uncle. He was with me for everything. We were always having fun when we were together. Whenever we won a throphy we would always joke about whose was bigger. He would come for diner on weekdays and it's going to be hard staring at an empty seat. We would always joke around. He loved me even when I was bold. He would never yell at us. He would always give me hugs. He fixed everything we broke. He even made me a new DS the first one with two colors. He was amazing. I loved him and he loved me. He would never let me down. I don't know what I could do without you. I love you Uncle Gee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Madison
Samantha P Wesnak
March 23, 2008
My reading on 3-21-08
My Uncle Gee
My Uncle Gee was an amazing person. He was always there for me every time I needed him. Anytime there was anything that needed to be fixed he would be there to do it and anytime I needed anything he would do it for me. I depended on him so much. To me he was like the father I've always wanted. We always had fun together and he was always at our house on weekdays to eat dinner with us.
His Favorite things to do were to ride and fix motorcycles. His nickname was Turtle like as in Team Turtle. He always had a smile on his face and rarely ever said anything bad about anyone. I always expected him to live to be in his 90s. He loved life and always saw the cup halh full. He was happy to be alive and happy to help anyone who needed him.
He never backed down unless the situation was completley hopeless. Like the only things he couldn't fix were light bulbs and parking tickets. I loved him very much and will continue to for the rest of my life. He was always there for me and my family and taught me to be strong. Now I must be stong for my family,especially my mom and I must be there for all the people I love, just like he was. I hope I didn't miss anything that could be said about my uncle. But one thing for sure is that I will nerver forget him or all the wonderful times I had with him. I loved him so much that I can't expain in words.
Love ya "CLUNK"
Sami
Jay Cohen
March 22, 2008
It's Saturday night, March 22 and as I'm looking over my favorites to check on the web I see the shocking news about Gale. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends, and I know how much the trials community will miss Gale too. I'll miss Gale tremendously, he was always willing to give a helping hand in any way he could to a friend or a stranger. To a great guy and friend.
Ray Meoni
March 21, 2008
Gale,you were a great pal and had good times when we worked together at Scranton Auto. This is such a shock, I really am overwhelmed at this time. my condolances to the Petro family.....RIP my brother......Ray
Paul Wesnak & Family
March 21, 2008
Gale's Family and Friends
My prayers go out to all of you on a lost that came all to soon.
Gale was a peaceful quite man always with a kind word. Thank you for being a good Uncle Gee to my girls you are in my thoughts and prayers. We all know you will be riding on in motorcycle heaven and there will never be a broken bike up there. Keep riding with "NO FEAR"
Bryan Lee
March 21, 2008
Gale,
I'll always remember your riding ability and technical expertise, but most of all I'll cherish the great memories of hanging out with you for 16 MAVT trials seasons.
To say you will be missed is the understatement of the year.
My sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
Rest in peace.
Bryan Lee
Tony(beardo) Sabatell
March 21, 2008
This is to all that had a chance to be a friend of this grate and humbl man.It is one of my joyes of life to have had the privilege to have worked with Gale at Murry's cycle. such a talented person in all phases of life he is an inspiration for all to emulate and strive to be like. My condolences to all of his family and Friend's.He will never be forgotten he lives on with all of us in harts and minds
Lucy Piccoletti
March 21, 2008
Oh Brother
Like no other
Your love for motorcycles and your wife
All the toy’s of a great life
Oh Brother
Like no other
Your silly smirk, your goofy laugh
Your part of us all, your our other half
Oh Brother
Like no other
This is your little sis
And I hope you will know how much you will be missed
Oh Brother
Like no other
Sleep well, and I’ll try not to be blue
Remembering someday we’ll all be with you
Oh Brother
Like no other
You will never be alone
And we’ll all stick together, not on our own
And though we are apart
The pain will never stop, deep in my heart
All my Love,
~Your Little Sister~
~Lucy~
"GO TEAM TURTLE"
Dan McCurdy
March 21, 2008
Gale, your quiet passion, and comaraderie will truly be missed. Feet on the pegs! My sincere condolences to the family.
Stephanie Piccoletti
March 20, 2008
Although I didnt get to spend much time that i wish i should have.I loved him dearly. He was a great man and kept to himself.I dont remember a time i ever heard a bad thing out of his mouth. I hope you are up in heaven doing what you love.I will miss and love you.
your niece,
Stephanie
Casey Cavello
March 20, 2008
I find this very difficult to find the right words to express how truly saddened I am by the loss of such an unbelievably wonderful person. Gale was beyond a doubt such an important person in so many people's lives. I am very honored to have had the opportunity to have known such an individual. My deepest sympathies go out Gale's family and friends.
Tony Kniolek Jr.
March 20, 2008
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Gale's family, I had just met Gale in January as I left my old Honda at Jim Murray's for him to get running. I just picked up my now fine running bike from him last Thursday and was saddened to hear what had happened only two days later. God bless...
Matt Edwards
March 20, 2008
What can I say to the man who built my first bike and forever embedded such a passion in my life. I'm not sure there ever was, or will be, a time when I didn't hear the scream of the engine and smell the gas fumes and think of you. I'll miss our talks about what was new and exciting in the motorcycle world. You'll always be with me on the road and in my prayers.
Your Nephew,
Matt
JIM MURRAY III
March 20, 2008
GALE. MAY YOU BE TRIALING UP THERE IN HEAVEN. BOUNCING FROM CLOUD TO CLOUD AND NOT DAPPING.
YOU HAVE TOUGHT ME ALL ABOUT TRIALS, AND THAT I THANK YOU FOR THAT.
MAY YOU ALWAYS BE RIDING WITH FELLOW RIDERS YOU HAVE PASSED BEFORE YOU. MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND AND MAKE NEW SECTIONS.
SOME DAY I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN YOU ARE A GOOD FRIEND AND WORKER.
MAY GODS LOVE BE WITH YOU.
YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND THE SHOP.
YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS AND FOREVER
JIM.
Tina and Mike Dolgash
March 20, 2008
Lehrae, Gary and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Gale's passing. We only met Gale once and were glad we did. We want you to know we are here for you always.
Gale cleaning yet another section at Dubois Hollow, 2006.
Brian Carpenter
March 20, 2008
Dear Gale. This is the way I want to remember you. Cleaning a section and giving me the closed fist signal for yet another clean. Your passing has left a void in my life that will never be filled. You were like a brother to me. I will miss you beyond belief.
~
Candy Dolgash
March 20, 2008
Sending my deepest sympathies and most loving thoughts to the Petro, Cramer, Edwards, Piccoletti and extended families. You all feel truly, to me, like one family and you’ve welcomed me as one of you which means so much more than you know.
I’m so glad I had the pleasure to know Gale and enjoy him while I had the chance. Such a subtle and kind man is rare to find. The family will not be complete without him.
All my love,
Brenda K.
March 20, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Gale once. Listening to everyone speak about him he was a very special man who touched so many hearts and lives. He will be missed and never for gotten by so many. To the family may God ease your pain in time. Just know he will always be with you, looking down from the heavens and watching over you.
Mike Piccoletti
March 19, 2008
I'm Gale's nephew, and I have to say, Gale was a Good man. He would never complain, and He taught me everything I Know about Dirtbikes and Trials riding. He was teaching me how to ride trials all last year, and just waiting for the season to break to start this year... He will be missed GREATLY
Adam Edwards
March 19, 2008
Uncle Gale. I'll miss you buddy. Love Adam
Nick
March 19, 2008
Turtle. It was a name EVERYONE in the dirtbike community knew. The knowledge you shared with all of us will always be appreciated. You took us in as "Team Turtle" riders, and were always there to get us back up and running for the next race. I will always remember the good times we all had joking and carrying on at his sisters garage years ago. You will truly be missed. "Keep em runnin Turtle"
Nicole and Floyd Thurston
March 19, 2008
To Gale's Wife and Family I am so sorry that you have lost someone so close to you all and I know he will always watch over you all from heaven.
Samantha
March 19, 2008
My uncle was the greatest man I ever knew. He was always there for me when I needed him and I loved him dearly. He was kind and generous and I will miss him dearly for the rest of my life.
Irene & Dave Lucas
March 19, 2008
To Gale's family - you have lost someone near and dear to so many people. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Madison
March 19, 2008
Uncle Gee was my favorite uncle.he was very nice. he was very generous, he helped me with everything. he would always share. every time i put pepper on my food, i will think of him. he loves me, mommie, my sister, misty boo, and frosty. he called my kitties fuzzies and my sister klunck. his last words to me were "good luck" with his hand in the shape of a heart. i know you will always be with me. i loved him very much.thank you for everything you did for me uncle gee.i love you!!!!!! -Madison
Lehrae Ann Edwards
March 19, 2008
Dear Gale. I hope you are happy in heaven with mom and dad and not driving God nuts racing your motorcycle around Heaven's streets. I will take care of Ceil for you as always. Love you always & forever Your cycling sister Lehrae
SONNY DEITZ
March 19, 2008
So sorry to lose a friend and fellow trials rider. We will all miss you this year at the events.God speed.
Robert Stevens
March 19, 2008
Gale, I will never forget working by your side at Scranton Auto Ignition for all those years. You taught me so much. You're passing will leave a great vacuum in part of my life. I vividly recall so many memories, in and outside of work that it would be impossible to list here. You, me Brian, and Ray... I laugh just thinking of the good times we had. May you rest in peace my friend. Bob
Uncle Bob Kurisko
March 19, 2008
Our prayers and sympathy
anthony romeo
March 19, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Marlin "Perkins" Petro
March 19, 2008
To my Brother, My Friend, My Everything
I will be so lost without you.
You will always be my scarcrow and I will always miss you most of all.
"Perkins"
Roger Annable
March 19, 2008
Gale, you exemplified the best character and spirit of MAVT. You have quietly enriched our lives, and we will surely miss you and remember you. Hopefully, we will see you again "on the loop".
Aaron Ermel
March 19, 2008
You lived a simple life with simple pleasures. Your humble and outgoing personality instantly warmed others to you. You gave unselfishly of yourself and brought out confidence in others. You were a mechanics mechanic who could do any job without cutting corners with minimal expense. You loved to share your knowledge. You earned and held your #1 plate in Trials for a reason that is not lost on those of us who have had the privilege of knowing you and being invited into your inner circle or by your competition. I was honored to be considered your friend.
If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I hope you come back as a tricked out Trials bike and are lovingly cared for by a young guy or girl with the same qualities you held. Carry them to victory in competition and in their personal goals/lives.
You will be missed. You were....ARE a legend!
The Coal Pilot
AKA Iron Aaron
Charles Estock
March 19, 2008
Gale, thank you so much for your friendship, and your patience in trying to teach me the fine art of trials, you will be missed by many. The last thing Gale said to me on the day he passed on was, your part of Team Turtle Racing now, words I will always cherish.
Goodbye my friend.
Chuck
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