Gennaro “Geno” P. Petruzzi

Gennaro “Geno” P. Petruzzi, on October 16, 2020, of Washington Township.  Age 83.  Beloved husband of the late Wendy and Margaret.  Devoted father of Cindy Rogers (Greg), Thomas Petruzzi, Gennaro Petruzzi and Wendy Cowan (Scott).  Loving grandfather of Lisa, Kim, Gregory, Chelsea, Maria, Gene, Nicole, and Brock.  Proud great-grandfather of Logan and Rhett.  Dear brother of Mildred Martinez.  Also survived by loving nieces and nephews.

Gennaro (Geno) Patrick Petruzzi was called home on October 16, 2020 at the age of 83.

Gene was born on a Saturday, November 28, 1936 to the late Rose America and Thomas Petruzzi.  He was the baby of the family.  He is survived by his lovely sister Mildred and preceded by his sister Mary and brothers, Joseph and Thomas (Snub).   He was a father and grandfather to Cynthia/Greg (Kim, Gregory, Lisa), Thomas (Chelsea), Gennaro (Maria, Gene, Nicole), and Wendy/Scott (Brock) and the late Christopher whom he raised as a son and great- grandfather to Logan and Rhett.

Gene spent his childhood growing up in Bellmawr, NJ working on neighboring farms.  He belonged to the Boy Scouts, the Bellmawr Athlete Association and played football with the Bellmawr Clowns.  Gene graduated from Haddon Heights High School in 1954.  Gene’s highlight of his high school years was football.  He was a three Varsity player and earned South Jersey All –Group 3 Team.  He also was chosen for the Brook-Irvine award, and received many college offers.

In 1958, Gene married the late Wendy Belle Kates and moved to Turnersville, NJ where they raised their 4 children.  Later in years, Gene met the late Margaret Kilroy. They resided in Blackwood, NJ and later moved to Arkansas and married 1997.  They moved to Florida in late 90’s where they lived until he returned to NJ and spent his remaining years living with his son, Gennaro, enjoying getting to know his grandchildren again and reconnecting with family.

Gene was employed at one company, Owens-Corning Fiberglass, from the age of 17 to retiring at the

Gene was part of many organizations:  The Glass Bottle Blowers Association, Washington Township Volunteer Ambulance Squad, and Pageant Association.  He also served 20 years as President of Barrington Federal Credit and an Indian River County volunteer sheriff.

Gene enjoyed camping, riding his motorcycle, cruising in his ancient cars, and going on cruises.

Gennaro’s military career was exceptional and he was very proud of his accomplishments.  At 17 years old Gene joined the Naval Reserve. He transferred from Yeoman to Naval Security, as a communication technician until his retirement in November of 1975. He would, in the same year; transfer to the United States National Guard and in December 1996 (after serving 21 years) retired as Master Sergeant.  In his military career Gene received countless awards.

A special thank you to Dee (niece) and Clay Bowman for their caring nature and to the beautiful Samaritan Center of Voorhees for making his final days peaceful.

In lieu of flower, please continue to Gene’s donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in his memory ID #22150823, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memorial Service with Honors – November 28, 2020 (his 84^th Birthday) at 11:30 a.m.  Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 240 North Tuckahoe Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094.

The family understands those who cannot attend due to COVID.  They ask that you remember Gene in your own special way.  

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”