Joseph Petrone

Joseph Petrone, Age 83, of Royal Palm Beach, FL passed away on March 11, 2010. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of Gaetano and Margherita Petrone. He moved with his family to Royal Palm Beach in 1973. Joseph served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Japan at the end of World War II. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1949 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. For most of his career he worked for the Federal Government, first for the Department of the Navy at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, RI, and later for the Department of the Air Force at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in West Palm Beach, where he retired as Chief of the Quality Assurance Division in 1989. In that capacity he oversaw numerous important projects, including building of the RL-10 engines for NASA's Space Shuttles. Joseph's memory will be cherished by his beloved wife of 62 years, Anne; sons Steven Petrone, Joseph Petrone, Peter Petrone (Debra) and Michael Petrone (Patty); sister Emelia DeStefano; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, FL. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 11 AM at St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, FL with interment following at the South Florida VA National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. In honoring Joseph's wishes, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making donations to the Haitian Relief Fund at www.foodforthepoor.prg, #800-487-1158. To express condolence and/or make donations visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries.