Pat Petronelli

They called themselves a triangle. Marvelous Marvin Hagler, World Middleweight Champion, the summit, flanked by his manager and trainer. Technically both Pat Petronelli and his brother Goody were Marvin's managers and trainers, but for all intents and purposes Pat's greater responsibilities revolved around managing. More than a manager and trainer, however, Pat Petronelli was Marvin's friend, father figure and first line of defense in the tough world of boxing and celebrity… a role he assumed 24-7 without exception. Pat Petronelli, age 89, died September 2, 2011 at Stone Institute Nursing Home in Newton, MA with his wife Betty by his side. In addition to his love and pride in the great success of Marvin Hagler, Pat was equally proud of his service to his country. A veteran of World War II, member of the Blue Devils and the 88th Infantry Division [351st], he served in Italy and often recalled those days with vivid memories and great humility. While he was a fierce defender of his country, Pat, like many veterans, was not a proponent of war. He preferred diplomacy, and that was evident in his management style. Upon his return to the US, he joined the workforce of American labor, but soon opened a gym dedicated to boxing. For a man with no formal education beyond high school, he went toe to toe with promoters, lawyers, other managers and trainers, television officials, referees and all comers who would dare to be less than fair to any of his fighters. Although Pat worked in the Navy shipyards in Quincy and in construction, it was his love of boxing that eventually led him to make this endeavor his career for the greater part of his adult life. He was known as a tough negotiator with a heart soft as putty. He never failed to come to the aid of family, friends and boxers who needed help…whether it was a tank of fuel, an uninsured medical expense or a stint in a rehab, his singular generosity and loyalty were well known by those he helped. In addition, he donated the funds necessary to build a Little League baseball field in the City of Brockton in memory of his parents. Pat married Betty Whitney in March 2002, after a very long courtship and stroke that left him disabled. He would tell you it was the happiest day of his life, and apologized (mostly to himself) for putting off this union for so long. He fought valiantly for quality of life after additional strokes and in recent years was captivated by politics and the election of President Obama. Pat was a great fan of most sports and was delighted with the many world titles that Boston brought home with the Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots. He had an unabashed love of horses and horse racing from the obscure "bull rings" of Northampton and Great Barrington to the aristocracy of Saratoga. In addition to his wife Betty and her family, Nancy and Frank DiMella of Newton, Barbara and Bill Struzenski of San Antonio, TX, Loretta Pizzella and Pat Coffey of Clinton, CT, he leaves a son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Roselyn Petronelli of Easton, two granddaughters, Lisa and Laurie, and a great grandchild. Pat, born in Milford, Mass., was one of 12 brothers and sisters, three of whom predeceased him. He leaves his brothers Goody, Nick, Guido, Ronnie and Henry Petronelli and his sisters Rose Clark, Eleanor Walsh and Lorraine Santoro, as well as many nieces and nephews. A service will be held at the Chapel at the Newton Cemetery,791 Walnut St. Newton Center on Thurs Sept 8 at 11:45 AM followed by burial with Military Honors. Please omit flowers. A donation in Pat's name to Stone Institute 277 Elliot St. Newton, MA 02464 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. To share a memory of Pat please visit www.eatonandmackay.com