John Joseph Petronis

We regret to announce the passing of John J. Petronis on September 9th, 2025. Born in May, 1943 in Scranton, PA, to Joe and Helen Petronis (Burns), Following the passing of his father at age ten, John attended Girard College in Philadelphia PA, a school for single parent boys. At Girard College, he established an impressive academic and athletic record, earning varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and baseball, and was later inducted into the institution’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

John received a scholarship to attend East Stroudsburg State College (now University) in Pennsylvania, graduating with a BA in Biology. He attained All-American distinction as a soccer goalkeeper and served as the starting goalkeeper for the 1962 NAIA National Championship team—the first national title for any ESSC team. His athletic prowess extended to track and field as a long jumper and as a left handed pitcher for the baseball team, which brought recruitment interest from the New York Yankees. He was subsequently inducted into East Stroudsburg University’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions.

After earning his undergraduate degree, John received Physical Therapy Certification from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his master’s degree in Anatomy at West Virginia University (WVU). He remained in Morgantown for the remaining 55 years of his life, contributing significantly to academia and clinical practice. As a founding faculty member of the WVU Division of Physical Therapy, he served as assistant chairperson from 1997 to 2013. Over his 45-year tenure, he instructed more than 1,200 students. He was recognized with numerous honors, including the 1979 West Virginia Physical Therapist of the Year award by the WV Physical Therapy Association and the WVU School of Medicine Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education in 2000. Upon his retirement in 2013, he was named Professor Emeritus. His legacy continues through the John J. Petronis, PT, MS, Endowed Scholarship, established in 2020 to support aspiring physical therapy professionals at WVU.

As an adult, John maintained an active involvement in recreation and youth sports both as an avid local recreational sports player and youth soccer coach. His impact on physical therapy, higher education, youth sports, and the state of West Virginia is noteworthy, and his influence within his profession and the local community remains substantial.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, of 56 years, his children, Jason (Jessica) Petronis, Aliesha (Nick) Hunter, and son-in law, Todd Kowalski. John was a grandfather to six grandchildren, AJ, Sienna, Nolan, Chase, Kadie and Karis. John is also survived by his brother Robert (Sherilyn) Burns. John was preceded in death by his daughter, Alanna Petronis Kowalski, and his best friend, Sandy Burkart.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Okey Patterson Auditorium within the WVU Health Sciences North Building at 1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown WV 26505. Reception to follow outside the auditorium in the Pylons Lobby. All are welcome to attend. For those who cannot attend, the service will be livestreamed. Link will be provided on this website prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, John’s wish is that donations be made to the John J. Petronis PT, MS, Endowed Scholarship – 3Z912 at give.wvu.edu. You will find his scholarship in the drop-down list provided.

The family wishes to thank WVU Hospice, Gentiva Hospice, VIA Hospice and Gaitway Therapy Services of Charlotte for the care, love and support given to John.

Raymer-Kemper Funeral Home and Cremation Services is providing cremation services and support to the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Petronis family at www.kepnerfh.com