Richard David Petruzella

Richard David Petruzella, 78, of Midlothian, VA passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on Wednesday, June 29th, surrounded by family.  Born on July 26, 1943 in Pittsfield, MA to Frank and Rose (Porcello) Petruzella, Richard was a 1961 graduate of Pittsfield High School and a 1977 graduate of North Adams State College (MCLA).  He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1964-1970.  He also served as a Director of the Greylock Federal Credit Union and was Chairman of the Board from 1992-1994.  For many years, he coached Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion Baseball.  A firm believer in community service, he was a member of various service organizations over the years, including the Cheshire Kiwanis Club, the Cheshire Lions Club, UNICO, CIAO, ITAM, Friends of Wild Acres, and most recently St. Joseph’s Church Food Pantry in Pittsfield.  After 37 years of service, he retired from General Dynamics in 2006.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rose (Porcello) Petruzella, his sister Geraldine Petruzella, and his sister-in-law Dianne Petruzella.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Maureen (Farr) Petruzella; his brother Daniel Petruzella of St. Marys, GA, his sister Angela Dansereau (David) of Dalton, MA, and his sister-in-law Kathleen (Farr) Gariepy (Wayne) of Pittsfield, MA; his children Elisa Petruzella (Toby Hewitt) of Danvers, MA, Dr. Frank Petruzella (Jamie) of Richmond, VA, and Laura Petruzella of Midlothian, VA; his grandchildren Penelope Hewitt, Jasper Hewitt, Mia Petruzella, and Jane Petruzella; and his numerous cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Richard’s great loves in life were his family, cooking, fishing, hunting, laughter, and chatting with friends, neighbors, and family alike.  He savored the telling of a captivating anecdote as much as he savored his favorite dishes.  Wherever he went - family reunions, hunting or fishing with his buddies, formal dinners for service organizations, even a trip to the grocery store (which was as much a social outing as an errand) - he delighted in sharing stories, lingering over particular details to bring listeners as close to the event as possible.  Outgoing and friendly, with Beatles music often the default soundtrack playing in his car, he was known to be one of the favorite dads amongst his children’s childhood friends. One of his original dishes always in some stage of preparation in the kitchen, he loved sharing his cooking, whether at holidays, family events, charity functions, or simply with whoever happened to drop by.  His grandchildren remember him for his warm smile, infectious laugh, big, safe hugs, and for always smelling good, his distinctive cologne synonymous with cherished visits.  Richard was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield, MA. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Circle Center Adult Day Services

4900 West Marshall Street 

Richmond, VA  23230

OR

Greater Richmond Alzheimer’s Association 

4600 Cox Road, Suite 130

Glenn Allen, VA  23060