Paul Petrone

Paul J. Petrone died after a short illness on February 23, 2017. Born on July 10, 1927, in Peekskill, New York, he was predeceased by his parents, Rosalie Gambino Petrone and Paul J. Petrone. Although an only child, Paul grew up in Peekskill surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Paul and his cousins, Johnny, Dickie, Margie, and Dolores Gambino, and Charlie Eible were always together. Paul also never strayed far from cousins Pat Galati and Johnny Scalzo and the Scaringi girls, the Masullos and Petrones of Ossining, and his good friends, Bette and Al Ferrieri. Those were the days! Paul was the “handsome hero of the gridiron”, playing football in Peekskill throughout his high school career, earning letters for that sport, as well as for baseball and basketball. He also played trumpet in the high school marching band. Despite an injury occurring at birth that might have kept him out, Paul was a superior marksman and was thus accepted into the Army in 1945, proudly serving our country in Germany. Upon his return from the war in 1947, he was introduced to his bride of 65 years, Thomasina Jean Scatena, by his friend, Marie Scalaro. Paul and Tommie dated for four years, marrying on June 3, 1951. He then moved to White Plains, where he lived until his death. Thanks to the GI Bill, Paul graduated from Adelphi University and attended Brooklyn Law School. His two girls, Evelyn (Bob Beck) and Carol Ann (Michael Colby) came along, and Paul embarked on a 40-year career as an agent with Allstate Insurance Company. Paul enjoyed life, taking family vacations, bowling (for which he won numerous trophies and turkeys), playing golf, swimming, water skiing, gardening and fishing. Paul loved and cherished his grandchildren, Monica L. Parrillo (Razza Shah) and Michael J. Parrillo. Along with his wife, Paul led an active social life, entertaining with parties large and small for any and every occasion. Paul was a member of the Holy Name Society at the Assumption Church in White Plains and served as its president for four years; and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered for many other organizations and supported youth sports in White Plains.

Visiting hours will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, February 27th, and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 28th, with a funeral service following at 11:00 AM at Ballard Durand Funeral Home, 2 Maple Avenue, White Plains, New York. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the White Plains Beautification Foundation for Julia’s Garden or The Food Bank for Westchester, Inc.