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Dr. Ronald G. Petrillo

Ronald Petrillo Obituary

Dr. Ronald G. Petrillo
July 18, 1949 - January 27, 2021
San Diego
Dr. Ronald G. Petrillo, DMD passed away the evening of Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at the VA Medical center in La Jolla California at the age of 71. Dr. Petrillo was born July 18, 1949, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to the late Michael Angelo Petrillo and Lucy Carolyn Petrillo, RN. Dr. Petrillo was a graduate of Coughlin High School. He received his B.S. Biology from King's College with Wrestling awards in 1971. He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1975. Ron went into the Navy Dental Corp, where he served our great country, Third Marine Division, Fourth Marines, Philippines, Okinawa, and is a Vietnam Veteran. After the Navy, he went on to open his private dental practice, where he served the people of San Diego for 40 years. Many of his patients were from his favorite football team, the San Diego Chargers. Dr. Petrillo was an artist, author, and a musician who once stood in and played bass for Iron Butterfly. He was an inspiring and motivating force to all that knew him. His presence alone encouraged people to strive higher than they believed possible: because, to him, everything was possible. Dr. Petrillo is survived by his four children, Tina-Marie Holloway, Tanya Petrillo, Dante Petrillo, Rocco Petrillo, and two grandchildren, Sophia and Olivia Holloway.

He is also survived by his siblings, Dr. Michael Petrillo DMD, Dr. Charles Petrillo DMD, Dr. Ann DiPietro DDS, and Dona Posatko Maffei MA. Dr.Petrillo had a great sense of humor and loved his family. He will be cherished forever. May you rest in peace, Dr. Ronald G. Petrillo.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Petrillo

20 Entries

Anthony Auerbach

July 8, 2021

I met Ron living in the same complex. I was just finishing up college and he was starting his dental practice. He was my dentist for 19 years before I moved out of state. Ron was a kind, caring and funny person and just a nice guy. R. I.P. my friend.

Donna

May 19, 2021

We loved this man as he was one of the best! You could feel the love come from his heart each time he spoke of his children and grandchildren. He was a very kind, caring and respectful guy and will be deeply missed. With my sadness I send strength and love to his family.

Joanne

March 3, 2021

My heart and prayers are with you Tina, Tanya, Dante, Rocco, Sophia and Olivia at the passing of your Dad and Grandfather. A few years ago I had the privilege of meeting you in Wilkes Barre Pa. The great love you shared with your Dad was so apparent and touched my heart. My Dad George would visit your grandparents home on our trips to Wilkes Barre. My Dad is your Dads Uncle and he thought the world of his nephew Ronnie. Many memories of visiting Bear Creek with my 5 siblings at your grandparents home fill my heart. Ronnie had such a welcoming kind manner and a zest for life. Michael, Dona, Charlie, Ann and families my heart and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Being with you i could feel the sibling bond and great love and friendship you shared with one another. During one of Ronnie's visits back home I had a great conversation with him. Ronnie spoke with such love about his children and was so proud of each of you. Ronnie achieved so much in this life but i believe his greatest treasure was his children and family. Love is the greatest force in heaven and earth, a gift from God. The Love you shared with your Dad, Pop Pop, brother, uncle and friend lives forever in your hearts. May Gods love and comfort fill you with peace and loving memories of Ronnie. God Bless You!

With Deepest Sympathies and Love, Cousin Joanne (Petrillo) Lettieri

George Petrillo

February 18, 2021

Ronnie was an inspiration for me to take up guitar. The music we shared on his Dad's front porch with brother Mike, I cherish.

Daniel

February 18, 2021

Great memories of Ron...from when he told me to go into business instead of dentistry, to him pulling out my wisdom tooth with a pair of pliers :) Great times hanging out with him and his family in Tierrasanta and Rancho Santa Fe. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his kids and grandkids

JoAnn Zych James

February 15, 2021

My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.

Gene Boylan

February 12, 2021

Sorry for your loss Donna.

Joan (Nistico) Dyer

February 11, 2021

I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. He sounded like a great guy. I happened to be reading the Sunday edition of The San Diego Union Tribune, and I saw the name,”Petrillo”, so I read the obit because I used to have a close friend in elementary school in Malvern, Pennsylvania, named “Tanya Petrillo”. There are enough coincidences in the article that led me to reach out to you. My maiden name was “Nistico”. Joan Nistico. I moved from Malvern in 1967, and lost track of Tanya. I have fond memories of her and her family. If this is the correct family, please contact me at#858-736-4597. Again, sorry for your loss.

Cliff and Terry Hewitt

February 10, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Michael Rodriguez

February 10, 2021

Although a bit set in his ways Dr. Petrillo was loving and caring man! Always willing to help ease the pain and suffering of others. Proud to have had the pleasure to meet him and his lovely family. My heart goes out to all his family for he will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace and Thank you

AJ Boyer (aka The Nug)

February 8, 2021

I've only known Doc for about 16 years which was my whole life but he was like a grandpa to me and a wonderful dad to my fairy godmother. And a great dentist too lol. Love ya Holloway and Petrillo Fam. May he rest in piece with his parents and my family. And have a peaceful and happy afterlife.

Michael Cutter

February 8, 2021

Uncle Ron was one of the most generous people I have known. He and Aunt Penny once took me and my best friend Bryce(a complete stranger) into their house when I was having one of the toughest times of my life for a whole month! They welcomed us and looked after us so we could get back on our feet. I've been to Charger and Aztec football games with him over the years. He was always there with a helping hand, huge heart, and compassion. He always had wonderful stories to tell about his full life, and I loved hearing them all. God bless you Aunt Penny, Tina, Tanya, Rocco, and Dante. May you guys find peace as I know he is now at peace. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Uncle Ron ❤

Jean & Greg DeAngelis

February 7, 2021

Dr. Petrillo was our neighbor and friend. We Extend our deepest condolences to his family. From the moment I met Ron, I was fascinated by his interesting life. He told me as a young boy his dad lined up he and his siblings & told them you're all going to become doctors and so they did! He was proud of his career and ability to help others. More than anything he often spoke of his children and his pride and adoration for them. May our Heavenly Father rest his soul. He will be sorely missed.

Jean & Greg DeAngelis

February 7, 2021

Carrie Murphy

February 7, 2021

Ron could put a smile on anyone's face, even if he wasn't your dentist!
He will truly be missed! Love and sympathy to the entire family.

Susan Regan

February 7, 2021

Our entire family sends their love and sympathy to the Petrillos. Friends for over 30 years, we are so sad and will forever miss his giant generous heart, great sense of humor, and his way of boosting people’s self confidence and supporting their dreams. He had a way of picking out a kid’s talent and bringing it to their attention. Family was the most important thing to him. A devoted father . Always remembered , never forgotten.
With live and Sympathy;
The Regans

Susan Regan

February 7, 2021

Maria

February 7, 2021

We lived two doors away from the Petrillo family when we were young, and the Petrillos were a very special part of our childhood. My sister and I were best friends with Ron’s daughter, and we hung out with their family a lot. And even after we moved apart, the years of memories went beyond college.
I always admired Ron and his beautiful family and I’m grateful to them for the many wonderful times. I know Ron had health issues recently, but I will always remember him as strong. He was a generous contributor to his community and a man to look up to. But I remember him best as a father.
I remember one time when us girls were skating around the cul-de-sac, Tina his daughter fell and got hurt.
And I’ll never forget how Ron rushed to her and comforted her. Even as a young child, I was struck and I remember thinking that is exactly how a father should be.
Though he is gone, those are the things I will remember...His contribution, his hard work, and most of all what a great father he was for his family.

Laura Weitzel

February 7, 2021

Ron was my best friend Tina’s dad. He always loved having a house full of kids laughing and dancing. He always made you feel like you were family. I will miss him, but will always remember the fun times. RIP

Frances B Lebron

February 7, 2021

Ray and I send our deepest sympathy to the whole family. He was a neighbor, friend and did our dental work until last year. We miss him and his family stories.

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