Joseph James DePetro Jr.

Joseph James DePetro, Jr., 96, of Independence, died peacefully Thursday, November 28, 2024, in Golden Oaks Residential Board and Care, Inc. He was born September 21, 1928, in Penowa (part of Avella), a son of the late Joseph and Veturia Salvatori DePetro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel J. DePetro, February 1, 2001; a brother, Robert Lewis DePetro; and three sisters, Thelma D. Hopwood, LLora D. Moyer, and Janet D. Shaurette. He graduated from Avella High School in 1946 and then enlisted in the Army during World War II. During the war he was part of the early occupation forces in Japan. After the war he graduated in 1953 from Penn State with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry. Joe worked on his farm all his life as a dairy and beef farmer in partnership with his brother, Rob. He also was employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, where he worked multiple livestock auctions throughout Western Pennsylvania grading livestock and reporting market news. He held many memberships and was an active member of the Penn State Livestock Judging Team. He was the 1953 Block and Bridal Award winner. He was the outstanding judge three years in a row at the International Livestock Exhibition in Chicago, Ill. His love of horses was evident by his dedication to his work with the percheron draft horses at Penn State. Joe was a lifetime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Avella, and was also a lifetime member of Independence Grange #179. He was a lifetime resident of Independence. Joe is survived by three children, Joseph J. DePetro, III and companion Kim Veltri, Jodi (Tim) Dilliplane of Bethel Park, and Jill (Dave) Kraeer of Hickory; six grandchildren, David (Jess) Kraeer, Lindsey (Mitch) Kobrys, Jake DePetro, Maria DePetro, Hannah Dilliplane, and Ben Dilliplane; three great-grandchildren, Lydia, Tessa, and Hudson; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no visitation. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the Mullenbach Funeral Home, 669 Main Street, Follansbee, W.Va. Interment will be held at the Independence Cemetery in Independence.