Joseph Martin Petricola

Joseph Martin Petricola, Sr. (“Joe” or “Pepsi”) died peacefully on February 23, 2024 due to subsequent complications from a fall. The son of Italian immigrants, Luigi and Nancy Petricola, Joe was born in Ithaca on July 9, 1938 growing up with his four siblings, Emma, Louis, Isabella and Nancy. He attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Ithaca High School. As a young boy, Joe was interested in the mechanics of automobiles and service, and at the tender age of 14 started to work for Glen’s Service Station in Collegetown, owned by Glenn Bartholf. Joe had the idea of starting an auto recycling business and Glenn backed the idea, sparking the origins of Autosalvage of Ithaca in Danby. Together with the Bartholf family, in particular Bob Bartholf, Autosalvage was a successful auto salvage, recycling and wrecking business that spanned 70 years until its closing in 2010.

Joe was proud to serve his country in the United States Army serving in the early 1960’s during the Cuban Missile crisis. While stationed in El Paso, Texas, he met his former wife, Cecilia Lozoya. They were married in 1963 and together had three children, Joseph, Anita and John. Later, his sister and brother-in-law Dell and Emma Grover introduced him to his beloved wife, Joyce English, whom he married in 1980. Anyone who knew Joe knew of his love and dedication for Joyce and they had 40 wonderful years of marriage until her death in 2020. Joe enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and vacationing with Joyce to the beaches of Aruba and their condo in Florida, passing time with many dear friends.

An involved member in the community, Joe was a past President of the Sons of Italy, a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as well as a lifelong parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church.

Passed down by his father, Luigi, he lived the words “be strong like vinegar” and was always one who could be counted on for his steadfast loyalty, dedication and love for his friends and family. Joe remained strong throughout his life with a fighting spirit and was graced with peace at his death. He joins his parents, Luigi and Nancy Petricola, his beloved wife, Joyce A. Petricola, the mother of his children, Cecilia L. Petricola, his stepson, Michael English, his sister, Emma Grover, his brother, Louis Petricola, and many friends who predeceased him and for whom he never forgot.

He leaves behind his children, Joseph Jr. (Zae) Petricola of Ithaca, NY, Anita (Tarky) Lombardi of Syracuse, NY, John (Lourdes) Petricola of Miami, Florida and his stepdaughter, Teresa Rosales of Sierra Vista, Arizona, ten grandchildren - Victoria and Emilio Petricola, Tarky and Cecilia Lombardi, Camille, Sophia and Anika Petricola, Tammy Northcutt, Gary Comfort, and Dylan Vincent - and several great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his devoted sisters, Isabella (Albert) Worthen and Nancy (Steve) Parrott along with several nieces and nephews all for whom he treasured.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 8 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, New York. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 9, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca, New York, with a military burial at Calvary Cemetery, immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, or a charity of your choice.

A special thanks to all of the staff at Bridges of Cornell for making his final weeks comfortable in a loving and caring environment. The family also wishes to thank all of their family and friends, from all over, for your support, loyalty, prayers and love to Joe during his journey in life. He treasured the love and friendship of many, many people … dying the richest of men.