Richard W. Petro
Dec. 2, 1921-Nov. 29, 2009
Richard W. Petro, 87, of South Fourteenth Street in Niles, Michigan, died at 11:35 a.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2009, at West Woods of Niles following a brief illness.
Mr. Petro was born on December 2, 1921, in Kaleva, Michigan, to Wilfred Rich and Vada Irene (Pollock) Petro. He graduated from Niles High School and had lived here most of his life. He earned his associate degree from Michiana College of Commerce. He retired in 1987 after 30 years of service from Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army Air Force.
Richard was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Niles where he was very active in the choir and was the treasurer. He loved his family and church camping vacations. He enjoyed vegetable gardening.
On November 17, 1951, in Goshen, Indiana, he married the former Dorothy Reiff, who survives. Surviving family also includes his children, Ron (Rhonda) Petro of Three Oaks, Michigan, Cynthia Jackson of Niles and Sherrie (Tim) Vermande of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandsons, Michael, Daniel and Steven Petro; half sister, Olive Petro of Chicago, Illinois; several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Petro was preceded in death by his brother, Robert W. Petro, who died on October 22, 2002.
The funeral service for Richard W. Petro will be held today, December 2, 2009, at 1 p.m. in Grace United Methodist Church in Niles, with Dr. Anthony Tomasino of the church and son-in-law, Mr. Tim Vermande officiating.
Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, concluded by a Flag Presentation and "Taps" by American Legion Post #26 in Niles.
The family received relatives and friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of Richard may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown