Jim passed unexpectedly on May 28, 2021. With his daughter, sister, and brother at his side at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital, Jim found peace.
James Michael Petrelli was born on July 25, 1953, in Rochester, NY to Ann Tranello Petrelli and Joseph Michael Petrelli. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Lee McEvoy Petrelli; father, Joseph; and, mother, Ann. He is survived by his daughter, Sabrina Ann Petrelli Scott (Roger); brother, Joe Petrelli (Sharon); and, sister, Jo Ann Shaughnessy (Mike).
Jim was “Gampa Jim” to Chris and Cory Scott. He was a close friend to Stacy Sillen, Mary Fornataro, Mary LaMartina (Jerry), and Kathy Burton (Bill). He was most known across the years as “Uncle Jim” to Vickie, JJ and Marissa; Joey, Emily, Luca and Ellis; Bobbie Jo, Jerry and Gabby, and Tony; Sherry (and Nichole and Beau, predeceased to their Uncle Jim); Savannah and Jacob; Brooke, Lyndsey, Ryan, and Evan. Although not enumerated, additional loving people–his great nieces and nephews, in-laws, friends–were also a part of Jim’s family.
Jim was a graduate of the Aquinas Institute of Rochester, NY and Rochester Institute of Technology in Graphic Arts. Jim was an artist at heart throughout his life.
Jim underwent a back surgery in 2014 and triple bypass surgery in 2018. Although these surgeries limited his mobility; his focus on family, art, and telling stories never wavered.
Always one to live “outside the box,” some of the most recent moments that Jim proudly and happily shared were: how much fun he had when Octavia (care companion) accompanied him on outings; getting the Starry Night mugs for the Scotts; and making people smile, from buying them pizza or Chinese food, to sharing a story.
A memorial service in celebration of Jim and the peace he has recently secured is being planned for family and friends on July 10, 2021. All who knew Jim are welcome. Please get in touch with the family member you know.
In acknowledgment of Jim’s free spirit and “folksy persona,” the family encourages you to accept all who are different. Please listen to them and treat them as individuals…with feelings.
J
My deepest condolences,thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Petrelli family. 💕🙏
Holding Sabrina and the entire family and friends of Mr. Petrelli in my thoughts and prayers.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of ur dear father. Hugs to u and Roger. Will keep ur family in our prayers
Oh Sabrina, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know Scott and I are praying for you and your family.
Jim stood out in caring about his mother and family, wanting us all to be closer and have fun with each other. He made creative presents for his nieces and nephews and the rest of us. We had fun with him trying to keep my old washing machine and old car going without spending actual money when I was just a young single parent! Jim could fix a lot of items with duct tape and epoxy glue, or whatever he used to attach that shelf to the side of his refrigerator. He so badly wanted to give his daughter a fortune, I told him not even Vincent Van Gogh got rich, but Jim persevered. Some things are impossible on this side of the door, but who knows what’s on the other side? We love you Jim.