Gennaro Petrullo

Gennaro “Jerry” Petrullo, age 89, of New Philadelphia, died early Wednesday morning, October 22, 2008, in Union Hospital at Dover. Born at Stio, in Salarno Province, Italy on May 19, 1919, he was a son of the late Antonio and Grazia DiAngelo Petrullo. On January 19, 1949, Jerry married Rosina Santagelo, also of Italy. Seven years later, Jerry traveled to the United States, and two years later, the couple reunited when Rosina joined him. They have resided at New Philadelphia ever since. Jerry was a familiar face to many, having worked at Beitner Tire in Dover, the former Evans Brick Plant in Midvale, and later in his career, with New Philadelphia City Schools where he was a custodian at the High School, and later York Elementary until his retirement in 1982. Jerry also worked in the circulation department of the Times-Reporter. Those close to him knew of his commitment to family. He was particularly proud to have learned the truths of The Bible in 1974 when he became a baptized member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at New Philadelphia. Jerry worked the afternoon shift to devote his mornings to witnessing to neighbors and strangers alike. In addition to his wife of fifty-nine years, he leaves behind a family that include three sons and two daughters, Anthony M. (fiancé Bonnie A. Rodgers) Petrullo, Donato P. (Cathrine) Petrullo, Lydia P. Petrullo, Joanna T. Petrullo, and Gino (Nancy) Petrullo all of New Philadelphia; two granddaughters and a grandson, Angela Petrullo of Baltimore Maryland, Joseph (Talin) Petrullo, and Christina Rose Petrullo both of New Philadelphia.Numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by four brothers, Mauro Petrullo, Angelo Petrullo, Dominic Petrullo, and Pasquala Petrullo; a sister, Rosa Petrullo as well as an infant daughter, Mary Petrullo.Fiends may call Friday, October 24, 2008, from 5:00 â?? 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A Memorial Service will be led by Thomas Gallagher on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at 2:00 PM in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Following the memorial service, the family would like to invite guests to join them for a time of food and fellowship in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia. Those wishing to do so may send memorial contributions in Jerry’s name to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1212 Kelly NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.