Josephine Rita Marinelli Petro, swiftly and peacefully went home to be with Jesus with her loving family near her, and in the care of diligent and hospitable staff, at Jameson Memorial Hospital, New Castle, at 9:29 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2014. She was 82. Mrs. Petro was born June 4, 1931 in New Castle to Anthony Sr. and Helen Delanzo Marinelli. She was the eldest of their five children. She was a graduate of New Castle High School; and studied cosmetology at New Castle Beauty Culture. Mother operated a hair salon for many years, including an in-home beauty shop built by her husband, Michael Petro Sr., on Grigsby Street in Shenango Township. She later did hair for residents at The Almira Home. The Petros formerly owned and rented residencies in town, including an olive green apartment building in front of their home on Franklin Avenue. During retirement, she lovingly and diligently served her brothers, Joe and Anthony, as a receptionist at their local business, City Trailer Sales. Mother loved music. As a teen, she sang and played guitar live with Joann Ritchie on WKST radio in New Castle in the mornings, as “The Blossom Sisters” with guests that included her brother Anthony. She loved art, and painted a mural of a country scene that hung on her living room wall. Mother studied health foods and loved to walk. At 78, she was putting in a mile every day at the old Town Mall. She loved being an American. She was a member of the AmVets Ladies Auxiliary, New Castle, and marched in many patriotic parades in town. Mother simply loved New Castle. She spent most of her life on the East Side, where she proudly grew up, raised her youngest children and retired. Her favorite restaurant was Pagleys, where she ate raviolis just a few weeks ago. She enjoyed meeting up with her friends at places like Burger King, Eat n’ Park and McDonalds. With her feisty and outgoing personality — and her beautiful red hair — people knew and loved Mother everywhere she went. She quickly became a favorite at Avalon Nursing Center, New Castle, where she became a resident in the spring of 2010. Mother loved God. She believed in prayer and healing, and raised her children in the Church. She loved family, including her children, brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. She loved her friends. She had lots of them. Josephine was married to Michael Petro Sr., who preceded her in death on Dec. 25, 1994. Her first husband was Chuck Gross, who passed away Dec. 25, 2003. Surviving are: four children, Diane L. Malinchak, Hendersonville, Tenn.; Cynthia C. Smith, wife of Albert, Shenango Township; Michael J. Petro Jr., in California; and Felicia A. Petro, Grove City; four siblings, Joseph Marinelli, husband of Jackie; Anthony Marinelli II, husband of Sandy; Prudence Jones, all Neshannock Township; and Clara Warner, of New Castle;, five grandchildren and their spouses; one great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation is Tuesday from 4PM to 7PM and Wednesday morning from 10AM to 11AM at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 941 S. Mill St. Services will be held on Wednesday at the funeral at 11AM officiated by Pastor Sam Hill of Faith Gospel Fellowship in Leesburg. Interment will take place in St. Vitus Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice, especially anything related to missions in the Church.
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Josephine Marinelli Petro
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