McDONALD - Robert Lee Petrilla Sr., 69, died Friday, June 15, 2012 at 2:31 am at St. Joseph Health Center of a heart ailment with his loving family at his side.

 

He was born in Armstrong, Pennsylvania on November 16, 1942 the son of George W. and Georgia Mae (Hilty) Petrilla Sr. and grew up in Apollo.

 

Robert retired in 2001 after working 34 years as a crane operator at Republic Steel and WCI Steel.  He was a member of the Apostolic Bible Church and enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, walking at the mall and shopping at flea markets.  He especially cherished the time spent with his family, children, grandchildren and friends.  He was known for saying, "Take it eezz and don't forget to write."

 

Robert is survived by two daughters, Wanda (David) Spencer of Niles, Hope (John) Howiler of Niles; two sons, Robert Petrilla Jr. of Howland, Ronnie Foster of Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Brett Spencer, Tyler Spencer, Robert John Petrilla, Beverly Ann Petrilla, Dominic Chambers, Theresa Howiler, Haley Howiler, John Howiler; four brothers, George (Betty) Petrilla Jr. of Niles, David (Joyce) Petrilla of Niles, John (Cindy) Petrilla of Niles, Donald (Ann) Petrilla of McDonald; sister, Nancy (Bill) Koncsol of Niles.

 

He was preceded by his parents who both died on September 11, 1979; wife Beverly (Jerome) Petrilla who died in 1974; daughter, Michelle Lynn Petrilla who died on February 19, 2007; brother, Terry Petrilla and sister, Linda Foster.

 

Calling Hours will be Monday, June 18, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.  The Funeral will be Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Apostolic Bible Church, 1623 West Park Avenue, Niles, where family and friends may also call one hour prior to the service.  Pastor David Murphy will officiate. Burial will be in Kerr Cemetery.