Nicholas Louis Petragnani Jr.

A Classic American Outdoorsmen

Nicholas Louis Petragnani, age 96.9, passed away on June 18, 2025, in his home surrounded by his wife Elizabeth and children in Cheyney, PA. Born on September 2, 1928 in Lansdowne, PA, Nicholas honorably served in the US Navy. His dedication and patriotism for America stood the test of time to always take a stand for what is right, God, Truth and Family. After his military service, he married his wife of seventy six years, Elizabeth(Betty) Colvin. Together they bought a building lot in Cheyney and started their family. On one acre they had a pony, chickens, bird dogs, beagles; Tippy a Lhasa Apso house dog, and a very large garden, with corn and his classic tomatoes. His favorite dog of all time had to be his best friend JR, a Jack Russel he trained to be an aggressively effective Bird dog of all things exceptional. They had a cherry tree in which he made a really strong wine from in his famous root cellar, that got many folks a little tipsy to say the least.



Nick by trade was a plasterer in the Philadelphia Plasterer's Union with his father Nick Sr. until he founded Nick Petragnani & Sons Plaster & Stucco and served as the Building Inspector for Thornbury Township. His professional legacy is marked by integrity and a strong work ethic, to keep his word and commitment through all his accomplishments.



Nicholas was known for his love of fields, forests and streams. From farming in Potter County, bird shooting on the Eastern Shore of MD., to fly fishing in Montana; there wasn't a soul he wouldn't hunt or fish with. His generous, kind, and loving nature, for his family and the outdoors is a testament to his generation always ready to lend a helping hand, and preserve the great outdoors for generations to come.



He was a devout member of St. Thomas the Apostle in Chester Heights, PA, where he sang in the choir and put his six children through St Thomas School to nurture his Love for God, and instill a deep and meaningful faith within the family and community. One of his most famous family rules was to be clean and home for dinner at five. You could hear his 4:30 whistle from miles away calling his children back in time for his blessing of Moms dinner; it was always family first.

Nicholas loved to share his passion for playing music, singing and ballroom dancing with his wife Betty. He could play almost anything from the fiddle, guitar, piano, and especially his Horner mouth organ harmonica. He was known for his Memorial Day picnics with the neighborhood, Friday night straight through to Monday night. All the neighbors and their families and friends playing music, tossing horseshoes and telling stories of the good ole days. The taps were flowing, and the kegs were ice cold, crabs on the tables and burgers on the grill.

For a good tree is known by its fruit, Nicholas is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Petragnani; six children Patricia (Anthony) DeMeo, Nicholas (Charlene) Petragnani III, Michael (Carol) Petragnani, Cindy (MichaelFrugoli) Petragnani, Christine Petragnani, and Thomas (Renee) Petragnani; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Peg Shay, Nichoals Petragnani Sr., Margret Petragnani and Nicholas Petragnani IV.

James 1:25" But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work. This one will be blessed in what he does". Nicholas's life was a testament to the power of kindness and the enduring impact of a life well-lived, dedicated to God, Family, Service, and Community. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and remembered him fondly. He was and we are truly blessed to have shared in his Joy for life.

A mass celebrating Nicholas' life will be held on August 23rd, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania. The visitation is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, with the mass following at 10:30 AM. The service will take place in the Chapel, which is located in the old church.