Flint, Michigan
PETRILL, John (Jack) - Of Flint, age 83, died Sunday, April 27, 2008 at his residence. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, Father Tom Firestone and Father Douglas Osborn officiating. Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation 6-9PM Monday, 3-9PM Tuesday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road. A Scripture Service will be held at 7PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Mr. Petrill will be at the church from 9AM Wednesday until the time of the Mass. Those desiring may make contributions to St. John Vianney Catholic School. Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 5, 1925, the son of Jack (Florenz) and Amelia (Snyder) Petrill. He attended Flint Schools and Michigan State College. He married Joan Odette of Clio in 1949. Mr. Petrill was Sergeant in the Flint City Police Department, serving 13 years in the Patrol Division and 12 years as Court Sergeant. He then served 12 years as Magistrate of the 67th District Court, Burton, with Judge Gerald Snodgrass, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates, graduate of Midwest Institute of Alcohol Studies for Insight, The Fraternal Order of Police 126 (FOP), a former member of the Flint Elks Lodge #222. Jack was chairman of the FOP Youth Activities Program, which sponsored many Midget League baseball teams. He was an outstanding athlete and was inducted into the Flint Area IMA Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 as a member of The White Seal Brewery Basketball Team. Jack also worked security in downtown Flint at Smith-Bridgman's Store for many years. He was a member of St. John Vianney Parish, served on the Hospitality Committee and was an associate member of Knights of Columbus. He loved to golf and spent mornings with friends at Supreme Donut Shop and at Captain Coty's Restaurant. His greatest pride and joy was his wife, Joan, of 58 years; their 10 children; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love of his family was always first. Anyone who knew him, knew that he had a definite sense of authority, yet a gentle and fun-loving attitude. Surviving are wife, Joan; 10 children, Jeffrey of Davison, Daniel of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Vicky Marr of Kansas City, MO, Jack, Jr. and wife MaryAnn of Flushing, Janice June and husband Douglas of Davison, Rebecca Parth of Davison, Mary Dye and husband Timothy of Grand Blanc, Therese Lichty and husband Douglas of Leland, Anthony and wife Tonya of Plymouth and Matthew and wife Catherine of Lewisburg, PA. Beloved as "Papa" by 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He leaves brothers-in-law, Jim Massar and C. Lynn Wilson; sister-in-law, Frances Odette; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Jack and Amelia Petrill; sisters, Elaine Perry, Shirley Massar and Betty Wilson; brother, Ted Petrill; son-in-law, Edward Parth. Our special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Perez-Pascual, Dr. Cyrus Farrehi and the McLaren staff. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
Matt,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers.
All our Love,
Jeff and Laurie Miller
Jeff Miller
April 30, 2008 | Grand Blanc, MI
My sincere sympathy to son Jack and all of the family.
Barb Batey (Schuba)
April 30, 2008 | Flint, MI
Dear Joan and Family,
I was so sorry to hear from Jay of Jack's passing. It brought to mind so many fond memories. Times at Smith Bridgman's when my mom was working there and I met Jack. And then of course, the time with Jack as Jerry's magistrate. What a team they made. I am sure they are sharing stories together now
My deepest sympathies to all of you . How he loved his family!
God bless you.
Love, Judy
Judy Snodgrass
April 30, 2008 | Sarasota, FL
With deepest sympathy.
Rick Morse
April 30, 2008 | Flushing, MI
Dear Petrill Family,
I am so sorryfor your loss. It has always been a pleasure to have been a part of knowing your family. What a tribute to Jack the wonderful relationship with his wife and all of the children.
We are all sorry that we have not been able to be there for you but had a death in our own family which the funeral will be tomorrow.
Take good care of yourselves.
Marilyn Hamilton Goyette and famly
Marilyn Goyette
April 30, 2008 | Davison, MI
Dear Petrill family, I am so sorry for your loss, Jack was an amazing man. He was like a second father to me, a great wonderful neighbor, and amazing friend to my parents. Now they are all up in heaven sharing wonderful memories together. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. He left a lasting impression on my life. My life was so much better because I knew him. This world lost someone extra special but Heaven gained a extra special angel named Jack. Love Lisa Edwards.
Lisa Edwards
April 29, 2008 | Flint, MI
Mary and Becky,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this time.
Mike and Leann Phillips
April 29, 2008 | Grand Blanc, MI
Jack was like my second father, a caring, giving wonderful man who raised a beautiful family with an amazing wife. I will truely miss him so. May God see all of you through this grief. Hold on to each other tightly and God will take care of you. I wish I could be there tommorrow morning, but it's 8p.m. Tuesday evening and I just found out and can't get away from work. My love and prayers are with all of you -- always. I will treasure all of my wonderful memories of Jack. God Bless.
Beth Hall (Edwards)
April 29, 2008 | Belleville, MI
Joan and the entire Petrill family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We truly wish we could all be there with you right now.
We will always cherish our wonderful memories of Jack, Papa.
May the love of family and friends give you all the strength you need right now, to be at peace, as he is now.
Our hearts are with you all.
Much LOVE,
Lori and Janice Pekala
Paul, Anne, John, Kauanoe, Kanani, Ka'ala, and Kamalani Petrill
Lori Pekala-Hough
April 29, 2008 | Kealakekua, HI
