Jeannette Petrolia

August 12, 1943 - October 31, 2014
Jeannette Petrolia

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Jeannette Petrolia of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away at home on October 31, 2014 after courageously battling cancer for several years. She was 71 years old.

Jeannette is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Joseph Petrolia, sons Charlie Petrolia of Yorktown, VA and Joe Petrolia of Carmel, IN, daughter in-law, Anna Petrolia (Yorktown), granddaughter Brianna Petrolia (Yorktown) and Jeannetteís brother Joe Ingrassia and sister-in-law Donna Ingrassia from Lyndhurst, NJ.

Born on August 12, 1943 in Portsmouth, Virginia, Jeannette moved shortly thereafter with her family to Brooklyn, NY where she was raised. Her fondest childhood memories included spending time with her grandparents Beatrice and Giuseppe Ingrassia and her loving Uncle Joe, Aunt Lucille, Aunt Rose and Uncle Tony. She graduated from Catherine McAuley High School. In addition to a large extended family, she was fortunate to have had many great friends throughout her life.

After her marriage to Joe, they lived in Queens, NY and later moved to Long Island, NY after their two sons were born.

In 1974, the family relocated to Hampton, Virginia and a few years later, Jeannette went back to school and graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979. Upon graduation, Jeannette would go on to work locally at VIMS, numerous political campaigns and the Virginia Air and Space Center. She was also on the Board of Directors at TNCC.

In 1995, Jeannette began working for Delaware North Companies at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. It was there that she developed education programs for high school students run by NASA Astronauts. She later became GM of the Astronaut Hall of Fame and also GM for The Lodge at Geneva on the Lakes Resort in Ohio. Jeannette recently retired and moved back to Virginia.

A Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at St Bedeís Catholic Church at 3686 Ironbound Road in Williamsburg, VA at 9:00 AM. Visitation services will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home at 4124 Ironbound Road in Williamsburg, VA on Monday, November 3rd from 4:00 pm-8:30 pm and also Tuesday, November 4th from 4:00 pm-8:30 pm.


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  • November 04, 2014
    Jerra and Samantha Daugherty says:
    As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Jeannette. We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.

  • November 02, 2014
    Annette Rimkus says:
    Joe, I remember with great fondness those times the Ferguson "outsiders" spent with you and Jeannette. Even a few brief encounters let me know what a special person she was. You and your family are in my prayers.

  • November 04, 2014
    Nancy Leach says:
    My Heart is so sad for the family of Joe Petrolia. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you.

  • November 04, 2014
    Gina C. Curtis says:
    To Joe and his family I am truly sorry for the lost of your beloved wife. She is in a better place where there is no sadness and no pain. Joe you did a wonderful job on the show how you did it with the stress of your wife being sick I will never know. You have true strength, May God bless you and keep you at this time. May the blessed Mother look down on you and give you comfort and warmth. Gina Curtis

  • November 04, 2014
    Mark and Suzan Fusco says:
    We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.