Theodore J. "Ted" Pietrini

Pietrini, Theodore J. (Ted) 92, of Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Ted was born on June 11, 1916 in Virginia to Andrea and Otavia (Gallini) Pietrini and grew up there, where he graduated from the Virginia High School. On September 20, 1935, he married Marion Gaffke in Virginia. They raised 12 children and were married for 54 years. Ted was employed as the general manager for Skubic Brothers, Inc. in Virginia for 60 years. He also co-owned and operated the Ridgewood Grocery, Pietrini Liquor Store and the Virginia Hotel for 30 years. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church of Virginia; Knights of Columbus Council 1640 of Virginia and Monsignor Buh Assembly; Virginia Elks Lodge 1003 and the Italian-American Club of Virginia. At the time of his death, Ted was the oldest member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus in Minnesota, a Catholic fraternal service organization dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Ted served in the past as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Public Utilities Commission in Virginia for 22 years and was the recipient of the Virginia Foundation Award for his years of dedicated service. Survivors include his children, Theodore (Margaret) of Bloomington, MN, Sharon (Leonard) Haugen of Britt, Jerome (Cheryl) of Isanti, MN, Dennis (Mary) of Fridley, MN, Kevin (Beth) of Virginia, Rosalyn (David) Barker of Virginia, Peggy (Jeff) Marwick of Virginia, Rochelle (Bill) Boyce of Mounds View, MN, Timothy (Jeanne) of Chanhassen, MN and sister, Katherine Anderson of Virginia; sisters-in-law, Mary Foschi, Louise Foschi and Eleanor Wittman. Ted is also survived by 34 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Ted was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marion; 2 sons, Shawn and Michael; daughter, Kathleen Carey and son-in-law, James Carey; infant granddaughter; brothers, Elio Pietrini, James Foschi and Andrew Foschi. The family would like to give a special thanks to Peggy and her husband Jeff Marwick, and grandson Matt Marwick, for their loving care of dad during the last 4 years. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 pm Saturday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia with Rev. Fr. John O'Donnell as celebrant. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of the service at the church. There will be an 11:30 am Knights of Columbus Rosary. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials preferred to the Marquette School in Virginia or to the American Cancer Society. Arr. with Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.