Donald E. "Don" Petrella

Donald (Don) Petrella, 82, of Monaca, Pennsylvania passed from this life into the arms of our Lord on July 30, 2023. Don is survived by wife, Sherry Petrella; siblings, Albert (Nanette) Petrella and Carol (Henry) Adamek; sister-in-law, Barbara Petrella; daughter, Robyn (Pete) Tsudis; step-children, Lori (Chad) McDougall, Russell (Nancy) Hampe; grandchildren, Mia, Nella and Sofia Tsudis, Sara (Paul) Peterson,, Maddy (Josh) Gostomski, Elizabeth (David) Wise and Kaitlyn Hampe; great-grandchildren, Theodore and Daisy Gostomski, and Isabella and Parker Wise; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Orazio and Violanda Petrella; former spouse, Paula Tucci Petrella; and children Lisa Marie and Jason Michael Petrella.
A life-long Monaca resident, Don graduated from Monaca High School in 1959. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army from 1960-1963. He was a proud veteran who served as a Specialist 4 (E4) in Japan for 18 months. When he returned stateside, he attended Youngstown State University, where he received degrees in Accounting and Business Organization.
Don enjoyed a long career as an accountant; first at General Electric (GE) and later at Mine Safety Appliance (MSA) and Traco Corporation. From there, he worked at U.S. Airways, where he would ultimately retire.
Don will be remembered for his faith, generosity and willingness to help others. He was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Monaca, where he proudly organized events for the Church community. He was a lifelong member of the Sons of Italy Club in Monaca (Lodge #1348) and held many positions; namely, he was President for nearly twenty years from 2001 to 2020. He was also a member of the Wolves Club for many years. In both organizations, he supported the scholarship programs to ensure high school students could pursue further education.
Of all of his accomplishments, Don was most proud of his family. He was a loving father to his children and instilled in them the same value system he was blessed with. He enjoyed family dinners and holidays and never missed an opportunity to cook and entertain for all that he loved. If you were ever fortunate enough to meet Don, you never forgot his strong handshake, warm smile and the ability he had to make you feel like you were part of the family.
Friends and family will be received on Thursday, Aug 3rd from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where departing prayers will be offered on Friday at 10:30 am followed by mass of Christian burial at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Church, Monaca. Interment will follow with military honors in the parish cemetery
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Veteran Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System or the Beaver County Humane Society.
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