Obituary of Gerald J. Petro

CHESHIRE – Gerald J. Petro, 54, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the West Haven Veterans Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Petro was born August 1, 1964 in New Haven, son of the late Gerald and Patricia (Wanciak) Petro.  Gerald served his country with distinction in the United States Navy onboard the USS Enterprise. He was self-employed with a number of businesses over the years including landscaping, ambulatory services and most recently as a carpentry contractor.

Jerry has lived in Cheshire for most of his life, and will be most remembered by his family and many friends for his infectious smile and sense of humor as well as his remarkable generosity.  He put everyone else’s needs before his own, and would drop whatever he was doing to help a friend in need. Jerry was a dedicated Boy Scout and loved the outdoors, in particular long rides on his Harley with his friends, whom he considered family.  He also had a love for music and brought many of his family and friends to their first “Grateful Dead” and “Jimmy Buffet” concerts. Jerry was a great brother and uncle who loved and cherished his nephew and 6 nieces.

Mr. Petro is survived by his sister, Sandy Cunningham and her husband, Bill, of Cheshire; his sister Susan Murphy and her husband, David of Cheshire; He will also be missed by his nephew and nieces Jack, Molly and Bailey Cunningham and Emily, Ellie and Sophie Murphy.  Jerry was predeceased by his niece Kelly Cunningham.

Arrangements – Funeral services for Mr. Petro will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018 with the funeral procession leaving the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street at 9:30 a.m. and proceeding to St. Thomas Becket Church, 435 North Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Foundation for a Cure for Mitochondrial Disease, Inc. (a cause he was passionate about) 81 Wood Pond Rd, Cheshire, CT 06410 or www.Mitocure.org.