Julius Joseph "JJ" Petrucci

Julius Joseph Petrucci went to be with Jesus, Tuesday, July 10, 2018 after a long blessed life surrounded by family at his residence. He is preceded in death by his parents, Angelo Petrucci, Nienza D'amico Petrucci, brothers John Petrucci and Anthony Petrucci.  He is survived by his wife Dorothy Block Petrucci, his three daughters and spouses, Kimberly Geranmayeh of Vidor TX., Lisa Manuel and husband Timothy Manuel of Vidor TX., Andrea Reed and husband Lynn Reed of Orange, TX. He is also survived by his two sisters, Rose Caruso, and Grace Gregorio, sister in law Martha Petrucci, brother in law Rodney Block and wife Emma Block. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren; his grandson and namesake Joseph Paul Manuel and wife Kristin Manuel and their two sons Ayden and Ashton Manuel, also his only granddaughter Lauren Rios and husband Cole Rios.

A native of Sykesville PA., “JJ” became a Vidorian when stationed in Orange, TX with the United States Navy. It was here that he met the love of his life, Dorothy and married her in 1947.  His first job was at the age of six in the coal mines of Pennsylvania; his job was to wipe the light on his father's hat and to watch for signs of cave in.  The strong work ethic of his that he gained at this early age would follow him all his life. He worked 24 hr. call as a Senior Sales Service Engineer with Dowell, a division of Dow Chemical USA, for 36 years and shortly after retiring worked 15 years with Lynx Co. Orange, TX.  He was a member of Eastgate United Pentecostal Church for over 67 years. His faithfulness to the Lord's house will always be remembered by family and friends. Even when very ill, he always wanted to know if it was time to go to church.  His family's well-being was always his main concern.  He was proud of his Italian heritage and passed that down to his children and grandchildren. He was very proud and thankful for his Pentecostal heritage and embracing the wonderful salvation of Acts 2:38. He was used by God throughout his life by having a loving heart towards people in need. Providing food and funds to neighbors and strangers alike, he showed God's love to those around him.  He had a giving heart towards missions and supported missions to Italy UPCI for over 40 years.

This is a sad and tearful day for his family. He will be greatly missed by a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and a wonderful church family.  A special thank you to Bonnie McDaniel and his nurses Elaine Stephens, Jean Stephenson RN and Teresa Theriot who took such gentle care of him in his last days.  We will hold fast to God's promise of rejoicing together around the throne some sweet day.

A homecoming service will be Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Eastgate United Pentecostal Church Vidor TX. under the direction of Bishop Bobby Edwards, Pastor Matthew Tuttle, and Bro Cole Rios.  The family will receive friends and family from 4pm until 6 pm.; following visitation, a life honoring service will begin at 6pm. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Monday, July 16, 2018 at 10am.

Serving as pallbears are Joey Manuel, Ayden Manuel, Ashton Manuel, Lynn Reed, Timothy Manuel, Rodney Block, and Michael Petrucci. Serving as honorary pallbears are Bud Marino, Johnny Williams, Dennis Cooley, Horace Loe Jr., Estel Braneff, Ted Steward, Curtis Bryant, and Gilbert Alston. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julius Joseph "JJ" Petrucci, please visit our floral store.