Paul Joseph Petruska, M.D.

I was a medical receptionist in the Hematology-Oncology Dept. at SLU from 1976 - 1978. Even though I was just a dumb 19-year-old kid, Dr. Petruska treated me with kindness and respect. It meant the world to me that Dr. and Mrs. Petruska cared enough to attend my wedding in 1979. Rest in peace, Dr. Petruska. You were not just my boss, you were my friend.

I have just seen this since we have lived out of state till just recently. I owe my life to Dr Petruska. In 2003 I was given 6 weeks to live having been diagnosed with AML. Dr Petruska , after 4 months in ICU pulled me through. I thank him and the wonderful staff at STL Trauma Center everyday for their tireless service, giving me a whole new life. Rest In Peace.

Best Dr petruska. Rest In Peace he saved my Life. 2006

Dr Petruska was a tireless and generous guide and mentor who contributed greatly to my growth as a physician. I have always been thankful I had him in my life. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to Marge and the entire Petruska family.
Steven Zenisek MD

So much of what I have accomplished would not have been possible without Dr. Petruska first accepting me to fellowship and then training me along with the rest of his excellent staff at SLU. I have never forgotten his massive knowledge but also his sense of humor. Rest in peace. God bless the family.

I had been thinking about Dr.Petruska. I was remembering how important he was those years on 8North when I was the Oncology chaplain. I wanted to let him know how his strong presence- so full of knowledge, common sense, awareness, and inclusiveness of the chaplain role, was important then, and still remembered now. He would ask my assessment of a patient. Or, he would say, "I just gave some bad news. You get in there and do the rest." Dr. Petruska was totally dependable, did not suffer...

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Pet risks for over 10 years. What an incredible person. We would have spirited debates at times but we both understood and respected each other’s opinions. He was a great teacher, mentor and physician. Although our paths went different ways, I would run into him in San Antonio at the annual breast cancer conference and pick up where we left off in 1998 when I moved from St. Louis. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. My condolences to the family.

My condolences and prayers to Marge and the family. He was such a wonderful Oncologist. I worked with him for many years at SLU and always said that if I had cancer I wanted him to take care of me. I wish I had known of his passing sooner as I would have attended his service. God Bless to you all. There will never be another physician like our Paul Petruska from Saint Louis University.