Dr. Frank L. Petrola obituary

Dr. Frank L. Petrola

1/10/1935 - 11/10/2020

Text:

Obituary For Dr. Frank L. Petrola

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Frank L. Petrola, 85, of Wintersville, Ohio

announce the sudden and unexpected passing of their beloved father (“Tappy”) on Tuesday,

November 10, 2020 in Santa Ana, CA while vacationing with his family. He was born January

10, 1935 in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of the late Frank L. & Mary Catherine (Lukacs) Petrola.

He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School in 1952. Shortly after graduation he enlisted

in the US Navy where he became a Hospital Corpsman, but the Marine Corps requested his

transfer, where he then honorably finished his military service after four years serving in Korea

and Japan. Following discharge, he married Carol Ann Rinaldi of Weirton, WV, and they had

four children. He then graduated from Franciscan University in 1964. Following his graduation,

he worked at Pfizer Pharmaceutical, where he excelled and was honored with the Top

Salesman award numerous times. It was while calling on many physicians at Pfizer that he

began his dream to become a physician himself.

In 1970, Dr. Petrola received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidad Autonomo,

Guadalajara, Mexico (UAG). Dr. Petrola was president of his medical school class of 1969,

making him the first foreigner (American) to ever be elected to that position in the 50 years of

the school’s existence at that time. Also during medical school, Dr. Petrola founded along with

Dr. George Richards ( one of his best friends) and a few other classmates a medical clinic at the

church of San Martin de Porres, to provide medical care to the poorest sections of

Guadalajara. He served as Director of this clinic for three years. Following a residency at

Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, OH, Dr Petrola opened his medical office as a Family

Practitioner in Weirton, WV where he practiced medicine for over 27 years until he retired in

May of 2000.

Dr Petrola spent the majority of his life dedicated to working for the good of Steubenville

and its surrounding communities. His focus was always on the welfare and well-being of the

Steubenville’s residents, especially the youth and the very elderly. In addition to his medical

practice, Dr. Petrola was a successful real estate investor. He also served on the boards of

many organizations: Chairman of the School of Bright Promise (15 years); Chairman of the

Jefferson County Air Authority (N.O.V.A.A.) (21 years); Chairman of the Jefferson County

Metropolitan Authority (5 years); and Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Health (more

than 27 years).

During his later years Dr. Petrola enjoyed the simple pleasures of life including: going to the

Spot Bar every morning for his coffee time and enjoying the company of his good friends JoJo

and Mic amongst others, going daily and saying his prayers and rosary at St. Peter’s Church

chapel, which brought him great peace, eating routinely his Saturday dinners at The Farm

restaurant where he so very much enjoyed their wonderful food, staff and service, going to the

Big Red football games and escorting the team to victories with his best friend Sheriff Fred

Abdalla., and most of all he loved spending time with his family and lying in the sun and

swimming in his pool. Our only comfort in our father’s very unexpected passing was that he

was doing a few of his favorite things that brought him much happiness.

Dr Petrola is survived by his four children: Dr. Frank Petrola (Jackie), of Longs,SC, Dr. James

Petrola, of Cleveland,OH, Carol Guida (Anthony), of San Juan Capistrano, CA. and Barbara

Petrola, of Imperial,PA, his nine grandchildren: Frankie Petrola, Salvatore Petrola, Santino

Petrola, Enzo Petrola, Anthony Guida (Olivia), Nicholas Guida (Jackie), Christian Guida (Jerica),

Joshua Guida, & Francesco Petrola-Prata, his two great granddaughters: Shiloh Joy & Lily

James Guida, his siblings: Rose Marie Argentine,(deceased), Joann C. Bernabei, and Virginia

Mort, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dr Petrola was a wonderful man and had a very loving and generous heart and gave to

many different charities, organizations and people in need. The family suggests that friends, in

honor of his life, to give a generous gift to someone in need around them during these very

challenging and unprecedented times.

Our Father was a very beloved physician, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, employer, and a

loyal and special friend to many. He strived for excellence in everything he did, for a man that

was voted least likely to succeed in his senior high school class he greatly succeeded and

proved them all wrong. He was a man who loved and lived his life to the infamous words of

Frank Sinatra’s song and did it “My Way”….We thank you Lord for all that you have given to us

in this man who was the hero of our hearts. His presence now will be greatly missed but as a

family we are so very thankful and blessed in knowing that through our Faith in our Lord &

Savior and the gift of Eternal Salvation that one day we will all be together again…We Love You

Dad , Thank You …. You Were Simply The Best!

Friends may call at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 425 North Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of funeral liturgy with mass at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Timothy Huffman officiating. Entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Written condolences and cards may be mailed to Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2250, Wintersville, OH 43953 or online condolences emailed to shorac.com

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

09/03/2024

ann e nolan

WOW! What an incredible human being Dr. Frank Petrola (JR) you became in your career to help others. You became so much more than a pretty face and a great dancer at St. Al's at Catholic Central High School in the 50's. You certainly did become a success in life, helping others. Sending peace and healing energy and Sincerest Sympathy to your family. I do remember your lovely Mother Carol. I also remember JR's sister Theresa (Tootsie) that I had the pleasure of attending CCHS with and graduating with me in 1953. Kudos to your Father in heaven and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Memories burn bright! Blessings Ann Kelley Nolan
09/03/2024

Friend

My condolences on the passing of your dad. I knew Frank for a short period of time but the impact he made was everlasting. He was a quiet man with good heart. The Christmas dinners were great Frank! Barb and I enjoyed them very much....
09/03/2024

Teresa Quattrone Facini

Dear Petrola Family,My Dad, Cheech Quattrone managed the Baron Cafe on Market Street and was a very good friend to your Dad. I remember your dad when he used to come to our family's home for dinners. He loved my mom's cooking and my parents were good friends of he and your mom. We lost my dad in 1996 and my mom in 2006 so I know the pain you feel for this great loss. I am sorry for your loss and offer the condolences of the Frank "Cheech" Quattrone Family.
09/03/2024

Linda Masters

To the Petrola children, Frankie, Jimmy Joe, Carolyn and BarbaraSending our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. My Dad and I have many great memories of good times when we were all neighbors. Rest in peace. The Masters family, Vincent, Vivian and Linda
09/03/2024

Wally Burden

My prayers for Dr. Petrola and his family. Dr. Petrola was a true public health professional. Many years of dedicated service and friendship. Thank you, Frank. You will be missed.
09/03/2024

Rebecca Martelli

It is with Heartfelt Prayer and Great sadness that we extend our Love and Sympathies to the Petrola Family. May God's Peace which passes all Human understanding cover each of you in this extremely difficult loss. May you find a sense of comfort in your Precious memories and in knowing that Frank is in the Presence of our Lord Eternally...Much Love from the Martelli Family...❤️
09/03/2024

Becky Shannon and Duke

What a wonderful man. He will be missed. He did so much for his patients including meeting me after hours to give my sick son a shot. He saved his life.
09/03/2024

Rosemarie Findlay

I had the pleasure of meeting doc when I was in my 30's.Being in medical myself we often shared laughs & could relate to different circumstances. FLP was more than a doctor ! He was a caring individual who went above & beyond for so many people. God did not make a lot of physicians like him,but I am so fortunate I got to know him and have him as mine for so many years! RIP FLP!
09/03/2024

Susie

I will miss you my friend. We had a special and unique friendship that I will miss. I will repeat the last words that we said to each other, "I love you my dear friend ".
09/03/2024

Bridget Ferrise Pieniazek

Barb, know that you are in my Thoughts and Prayers. My Deepest Sympathy. RIP Dr. Petrola.Your Special Angel will forever be watching over you.
09/03/2024

Maureen Jones

My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Petrola family. Dr. Petrola was the most caring man. He was not only a doctor to my entire family, he was also a dear friend. When my mother, Paula Jones, was sick he sent a lovely fruit basket to the house when she was discharged. When my mother died, he had food catered to the house! He was the greatest! He will be missed by all that knew him. . May his Memory be Eternal! 🙏❤️
09/03/2024

Dominic Teramana

Beautiful description of a remarkable Doctor, father and man. I knew him in many aspects of his life, as a businessman, friend and doctor. He was always there when you needed him. He will be missed by the people and the community!
09/03/2024
09/03/2024

Darlene M Valerio

Rest in Peace, Dr. Petrola.....I knew you virtually all of my life. You were my Physician and friend. You always treated me with kindness. ...My mother, Angie, always enjoyed the beautiful dinners you invited her to. She loved the bus rides with your family and friends. You helped so many people during your lifetime and will be remembered for your generosity. You will be greatly missed..
09/03/2024

Drew Powley

Petrola Family,My deepest sympathy goes to you and all of the family. When I was a late teen early 20 year old I would go to big red playoff games with the Sheriff, Doc and Jack Gilmore. Doc always took care of me and treated me like a grandson, I will never forget this man and the fun I had with him. I met him in the Spot for coffee on Tuesdays a lot when I was having trouble in school. I can hear him yelling "Drew!" now as i write this.. May he rest in peace he was a great great man. Sincerely Drew Powley
09/03/2024

Michalene A. King

I served on the Board of Health with Dr. Petrola for one year. We worked together on a few projects. This was the first time that I had ever worked on a board of that nature. His knowledge and wisdom from his many years of service on the board and his kind manner made it easy for me to fulfill my obligations to the citizens of Jefferson County. He was truly a gentleman. May he rest in peace.
09/03/2024

Rose Angelica

We will miss you Dr. Till we meet again on the other side. ❤️ Rose & Rich Angelica.
09/03/2024

Patrick F. Murphy

My heartfelt condolences to the Petrola family. God rest your soul Junior.
09/03/2024

Linda Romanelli, formerly of AAA

Barb and family,My most heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you on your loss.
09/03/2024

Bobbi (Hayes) Bailey

Barbara and family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. Level 9 and "the crew" had many years of working with your Dad and many fond memories. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.With sympathy,Bobbi (Hayes) Bailey
09/03/2024

Your Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Name:
Description of Useful Link / Service: