Veronica “Roni” Petrone passed away at home on October 30, 2022. Roni was born and grew up in New York, where she graduated from New Hyde Park Memorial High School and was a member of the Track Team, the Girls Athletic Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and an art club called “The Artisans”. Roni moved to Alabama with her husband and two children after visiting her brother-in-law, who had moved down before them, and realizing Alabama would be a great place to raise her kids. Roni co-owned a security system and monitoring business with her husband where she worked hard but was still always home when her kids got home from school.
One of Roni’s dreams was to be an interior designer and her sweet spirit showed through in how she decorated her surroundings. Her house had been described by some as feeling like “a big hug” and every home she made felt like that. Roni was a talented artist whose paintings hung on the walls of hers, family, and friends’ homes. Roni was a fantastic cook, especially of Italian food! Her eggplant parmigiana was second to none, although her favorite food was Mexican. Roni raised the bar for always being “put together”, you would never catch her out without makeup done and a great outfit picked out from head to toe. Roni was never seen in, and may not have even owned, hair scrunchies or sweatpants.
The most important thing to know about Roni was that she had a heart of gold. She was the kindest person you would ever come across and she loved everyone without reservation and instantly. Roni’s daughter asked her many questions including what her life advice to family members was and how she would want to be remembered. Roni’s advice was to always be happy, follow your dreams, live up to the limits of your potential, and always tell the truth. She hoped to be remembered as a kind and loving person. Every minute of every day of her life was a testament to that.
Roni was brave and courageous. After her husband passed away, 10 months after her son had passed, Roni channeled her grief into action and became actively involved in volunteering with Not One More Alabama (“NOMA”), a source of resources and support for families impacted by addiction, and became one of seventeen trained Parent Coaches in memory of her son Brian. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NOMA www.notonemorealabama.com
Roni is survived by her daughter Michelle Fleming (Kevin), brother-in-law Gary Petrone, grandchild Anthony Petrone, and several nieces and nephews. Roni was predeceased by her husband Gregory Petrone and her son Brian Petrone.
The family will be receiving friends Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Berryhill Funeral Home from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Services will follow in the Chapel.
