Joseph "Joe" J. Petro

Joseph J. “Joe” Petro, Jr., 93, of Catawissa, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. 

Born Aug. 26, 1932, at home in Numidia, he was the son of the late Joseph J. Petro Sr. and Mildred (Zinda) Petro. 

Joe was a graduate of Locust Township High School and later attended the University of Alabama while serving in the military. He proudly served as a sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. He carried with him a certificate recognizing that he crossed the Atlantic twice, a reminder of his service and the experiences that shaped his life. After returning home from the military, he began working for the family farm equipment business in Zion Grove. He later worked for Branch Trucking in Milton, as a diesel mechanic, and then for TRW, which later became Textron, where he retired as a machinist.

Joe was a man of steady hands, strong work ethic, and deep loyalty. He was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and lived his faith through the way he treated others, always with kindness and respect. 

His greatest passion was Little League baseball. Joe served as President of the RCV Little League for more than 30 years and remained active in Little League for more than 50 years. After returning home from the Air Force, he became involved with what began as Numidia Little League, and he later helped change the name to RCV Little League. He built the field where the games are still played today and made all the arrangements for the equipment needed to bring that field to life. He coached for many years before becoming president, and his dedication to the league reflected his love for children and his desire to give them a place to learn, grow, and enjoy the game. The field was dedicated to him in 2008. His passion for working with kids at the ball field left a lasting legacy in the community.

Joe also enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and traveling on fishing trips to the St. Lawrence River in Canada. He treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, especially when they were fishing and hunting together. These moments brought him great joy and created memories that will be cherished by his family for generations.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Arlene C. (Sommers) Petro; and by his brother, Bernard Petro.

He is survived by his children: Joseph J. Petro III and his wife, Cynthia, of Numidia, Raymond B. Petro and his wife, Julie, of Catawissa, and Renee M. Petro of Catawissa. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kristen Foulds, Joshua Petro, Jacob Petro, Jaymie Doraski and her husband, Collin, Rylee Petro, and Jobey Petro, as well as one granddaughter who preceded him in death, Kendra Joy Cook. His legacy continues through three great-grandchildren: William Foulds, NattilynnCook, and Michael Foulds.

Joe is also survived by his siblings: Christine Kobilis of Danville, Emily Wanzie and her husband, Jerry, of Numidia, James Petro and his wife, Jane, of Danville, Marie Bloss of Millmont, and Margaret Boyles of Elysburg. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews who will remember him with love and affection.

A funeral service to honor the life of Joe will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Grace Chapel at 126 Airport Road, Shamokin, PA 17872. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Southern Columbia Little League, 410 Johnson School Road, Catawissa, PA 17820. 

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com. The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Catawissa, is handling arrangements.

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