Giovanni (John) Petrocelli
June 6, 1936 - March 27, 2021
Giovanni (John) Petrocelli, 84, loving husband, father and Tata to three adoring grandchildren, passed quietly at home after a three year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Born June 6, 1936 in Acquaviva, D’Isernia, Italy to the late Pasquale & Gina Petrocelli, he immigrated to the United States in 1955 where he settled in Brooklyn, New York. In his early years in the US, he worked odd jobs until he became interested in the electrical industry. Eventually, he became a member IBEW 3 in Flushing, Queens and was employed by Petrocelli Electric who he worked for until his retirement in 1999.
He married Carol (nee Spitzack) on October 10, 1964 in St. Jerome’s R.C Church in Brooklyn, New York. They began their life together in Bensonhurst, where their two children, John Pasquale and Patricia were born. They remained there until settling in Toms River, N.J in 2006. He served as an usher at St. Maximilian Kolbe until his illness.
After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Caribbean and his home in Banyan Springs, Florida. Most of all, nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had an incredible love of nature, birds & animals and enjoyed long walks on a daily basis. The family often referred to him as their own “St. Francis”. He had a special bond with the family dog, Dante, who he would walk for hours when visiting his son.
“Dad had to be one of the kindest, most loving, gentle souls God created”, said his daughter-in-law Linda Petrocelli. “He will be fondly remembered for his passion for his Italian roots & desire for his family to carry out so many customs and traditions he held so dear.”
In addition to his wife Carol of 56 years, his son & daughter, Giovanni is also survived by his daughter-in-law Linda, his son-in-law Patrick, grandchildren Patrick, Michelle & Genna, sister Adeline Petrocelli & brother Joseph Petrocelli.
Arrangements are handled by Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River, New Jersey. Due to Covid restrictions, visitation is 4-7PM Monday, April 5, 2021. Mass of the Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday, April 6, 2021 St. Maximilian Kolbe Toms River New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Angelic Health Hospice Care, 81 E. Water Street Suite 2A, Toms River, NJ 08753
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.
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