Thomas Petroff

Fell asleep last night wondering what had become of Coach Tom Petroff. I was a player at L.I.U. In 1965. Tom coached Rider at that time and had very good teams. He was a good friend of Coach Tony Russo, my coach at L.I.U.
When I got into coaching, Tom, Tony and I would reunite at National Conventions each year and share stories about each others year.
Tom was a great guy and a nationally renowned
reputation.
During the 80´s, 90´s and early 2000´, when Tom was an Assistant Coach at Iowa, Iowa and my team William Paterson University, were in Florida at the same time and I asked if we could schedule a game. Iowa was a quality Division 1 program and we were a good Division 3 non- scholarship program. They killed us 14- 6. But HE WAS MAN ENOUGH TO PLAY.
R.I.P. Tom, I HAVE ALWAYS RESPECTED YOU.

Coach Petroff was among the finest of men. And, he was a great baseball coach. My heartfelt sympathy and warmest regards go out Barbara, who was an exceedingly loving wife to Tom every day of his life. I was blessed to have played at Rider University under The Coach's leadership during the 1961-1964 Seasons. Playing baseball on Tom's teams was an incredible experience...learning to play the game at a very highly competitive level, learning how to win and enjoying the camaraderie among our team mates was most fulfilling to say the least, but what was of utmost importance on reflecting back on those days with Coach Petroff was how he prepared me and a multitude of other ballplayers for life "Beyond the Ninth Inning"...beyond College Baseball. It was clearly a foundation which enabled me to succeed in life personally in marriage as a husband & father, professionally in the world of business at IBM, and in our Christian Faith. Thank you Coach !!

Sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for comfort for everyone grieving.

Heaven´s gain is our loss ... God needed a baseball man who is also a great person.
He received both in Tom Petroff, whom I am proud to call my friend.
Save me a seat next to the dugout Petey.

I have always been proud to say that I played ball for Coach Petroff. Coach not only truly cared about his players but he cared about their families. I know that they do play baseball in Heaven and Coach P is already practicing with the new team he has recruited. God bless Coach, Barbara, and his entire family.

I was so lucky having Tom as my Rider basketball and baseball coach. I couldn't believe it when at the end of my sophomore year he asked if I wanted to also join the baseball team. He taught me more than baseball and gave me a confidence that I have benefited from my whole life. In my book he is the greatest! GOAT!

I was so lucky having Tom as my Rider basketball and baseball coach. I couldn´t believe it when at the end of my sophomore year he asked if I wanted to join the baseball team. He taught me more than baseball and gave me confidence that I have benefited from my whole life. In my book he is the Greatest!
Bill Wood Class of 1968

I think about Coach and those great times at Rider every day. He is the main reason I am where I am. I will miss you coach and never forget you. Class of 67

So saddened to hear this. Coach was a great man who was a mentor to many. Condolences to Barbara and family. RIP Coach.