ANTHONY PETRARCA

1924 - 2016

Anthony J. Petrarca February 7, 1924 August 16, 2016 Anthony J. Petrarca, longtime resident of Tacoma, passed away August 16, 2016. He was born in Rankin, Pennsylvania on February 7, 1924; one of eleven children in a loving Italian family. He was stationed at Fort Lewis during World War II, where he met his future wife, Josephine Garitone. They were married 53 years until her death in 1999. Over the years he had a variety of jobs, including Pierce County Deputy Sheriff, Produce Manager at Tradewell Stores, and District Sales Manager for Lucky Lager Brewery. In his younger years he was active in his church and community. He was past president of Bellarmine Boosters, and well-known for running the weekly Bellarmine Bingo game. He was a lifetime member of Amvets Post #5, and served as Amvets National Executive Committeeman for several years. He was involved in local politics, a Precinct Committeeman for 6 years, and ran for Tacoma City Council with his well-known slogan "Tony's back." For a number of years he and his good friend Nick Nicolas put together a yearly group trip to Reno. This resulted in many lifelong friendships. He and Josephine loved to entertain at home; cooking homemade Italian dishes and inviting his friends to see his collection of 2000 miniature liquor bottles. In later years, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by his three children, Linda Gorman (Perry), Laura Petrarca (Duke), and Anthony Petrarca (Sean), his beloved grandsons Matthew and Michael Gorman, and his granddaughters Lisa Gorman Luiz and Sara Gorman Hale. He is also survived by his brother Domenic (Lois) and sister Cecelia Marchitello, as well as many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. A special thanks to Nadia and her staff at the Bethany Adult Family Home for their loving care of Tony in the last years of his life. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, August 25, 2016, 10:30 am, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Tacoma. Entombment at Calvary Cloisters. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Rita's Catholic Church, St. Leo's Food Connection, or a charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.