Rocco Gerard Petrella

by Lynn McMillen
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Rocco Gerard Petrella Rocco Gerard Petrella of Huntsville, Alabama passed away August 5, 2020 after a brief illness. Roc was born on October 14, 1946 in Sharon, PA at the Christian H. Buhl Hospital, now Sharon Regional, to the late Rocky and Helen (Butala) Petrella.
A 1964 graduate of Sharon High School, he then attended Edinboro State Teachers College completing a degree in Education. After college, he relocated to Alabama working for Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) teaching and mentoring children and adults in underserved and poor communities.
Rocco’s greatest gift was helping others. He has always been a refuge for those struggling with life’s challenges. He went on to further this vocation in the field of Mental Health. He returned to graduate school and received his doctorate in Psychology. His private practice in Huntsville spanned over 30 years.
He was a loyal and trusted friend as evidenced by the diverse group of interesting pals with whom he loved to spend time and discuss every topic under the sun. He had an eclectic taste in music and movies. He loved gardening, football, fishing and nature as evidenced by his many photos of flowers and snowfalls over the years. He wrote poetry and his collections were recently compiled into a book for him by his sister. Rocco loved Alabama but always referred to Sharon as his home and was never more at peace than when visiting there, especially at the holidays. He was the keeper of the family traditions no matter where he was.
Survivors include his beloved daughter, Larissa Petrella, Fairfax Virginia; sisters, Vickie (Les) Sloup, Huntsville AL, and Maria (John) Ackley, Sharpsville, PA; nephews, and nieces, Zane Ackley and Zac Sartori Sharpsville, PA, Michael and Sharon Sloup and their children, Tiffany and Max, Tuscaloosa AL. Special thanks to Lois Petrella, who helped him tirelessly during his illness. Rocco was preceded in death by his former wife Sylvia Petrella.
The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

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