17 South Delaware Avenue, Yardley, PA
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Pieter A Dykstra posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
It has been some time since I saw Fred on our bikepath in Frenchtown. Such a kind man, funny and serious all wrapped into one. It seemed not that long ago too, that he dropped off a copy of his new book and "Dinky" was all smiles, telling of the days of his youth, that inspired his writing. I remember all the nice talks, the Positive Sayings, and of course the 45 lb weight you gave for exercise, as it was getting too heavy for you. Your loss weighs heavy tonight, having learned of your passing Fred. Condolences to all of his family and friends.
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anita noonan posted a condolence
Thursday, January 21, 2021
I have been thinking a lot about Fred lately. He was my "Man for a Seasons". He always knew what to do, when to do it , why to do it, and have fun doing it. Miss his persona dearly. Anita Noonan
Audrey Petrella lit a candle
Monday, August 3, 2020
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Fred, I have known you since you were 16 years old and your brother, Joe, introduced me to his "little brother". I know you are together again in heaven. I will always remember your sense of humor and kindness to all.
Your sister-in-law,
Audrey
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Joan Newsome planted a tree in memory of Frederick Petrella
Monday, July 20, 2020
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For my favorite cousin. Wonderful memories to hold in my heart till we meet again. Love, Joan & Family Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Gail posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2020
The bitter with the sweet.
Each moment we have on this earth, with our loved ones, should be enjoyed to the fullest. Fred and Elaine have always taught us that lesson by living life filled with so much love, devotion, care, humor and wisdom.
The sweet -
Elaine put it perfectly; “Fred left a very large footprint on this world.” That he did. We have known both Fred and Elaine for the past 4 years at the dental office. Every six months they would bring the sunshine with them as they entered the room. Elaine’s beautiful smile complimented Fred’s jokes that he had saved up for us.
Fred’s jokes would have the slapstick punchline accompanied by his animated delivery. He would have us all laughing. Sometimes he would bring me a rock with a smiley face painted on it. I still keep those rocks on my desk to make me smile daily. Sometimes he would share a story so nicely described with detail, that it took you to that place for a moment. Sometimes he would do a little magic or reenact an experience he had. It would leave us laughing even after the sunshine faded when they left.
To witness their deep love for each other should be a guide as to us all. A strong energy force that gives and takes and is always there for each other. May we all find that in our relationships.
The bitter -
All of us come to a place where we are here no longer physically. We hope for our family and friends to remember us fondly. We hope the ones left behind only remember the great times. We hope they do not suffer or regret. We will all miss Fred very much but somehow, he has left us all some magic and wonder and laughter that we can keep forever. Thank you Fred.
Your admiring buddy,
Gail
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Blandin Karabinos posted a condolence
Friday, June 5, 2020
Elaine, Cristen and Jackie, please accept our condolences. I offer them on behalf of the Veterans of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment who served in Vietnam and Cambodia (11th ACVVC). We salute one of our fallen brothers, Frederick Petrella. Your husband and father served courageously in Vietnam with F Troop in 1969, earning a Bronze Star for his valor and The Vietnamese Cross of Gallentry and it was our privilege to have him in the ranks of the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment. Our loss is that of another brother down and he will not be forgotten. but as our Burial Liturgy clearly states: "his life has not ended merely changed" and as we were together the (in Vietnam), we will be together again in the life hereafter ... comfortably enfolded in the arms of our Merciful Father.
Chaplain Blandin W. Karabinos, (11th ACVVC); Vietnam 1971-72.
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Loretta D’Italia posted a condolence
Friday, May 29, 2020
Dearest Fred,
Know that I will miss you. Your kindness, humanity, empathy and zaney sense of humor made you the fantastic person you were. A great teacher and colleague whose friendship I will always cherish. Knowing you and Elaine for 30 years has made for many happy memories. My heartfelt condolences to her and your daughters and grandchildren who miss you dearly. Peace, dear friend, we will meet again one day.
Love, Loretta
Kitty Sanders posted a condolence
Friday, May 29, 2020
Mr. Petrella was such a ray of light in our little high school. He was smart and kind to all of us. I feel lucky to have known him.
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Marylynn posted a condolence
Thursday, May 28, 2020
I was one of the lucky few at Borough school to never have Mrs. Kelly for Social Studies (no offense Mrs. Kelly:). I got to have Mr. Petrella for all three years. He is the reason I became a teacher (and that is saying something because my Dad is also a teacher). He is the only teacher I have ever had that inspired me enough to make me feel guilty if I got any questions wrong on a test. Not in a bad way...you just loved him so much you didn't want to let him down. It is because of him that I majored in History in college. Anytime in my life anyone has asked me who my favorite teacher was there has never been a hint of hesitation, it has always been Mr. Petrella. I will never forget so many things about his class, playing penny hockey being among my top non-academic memories, curing a headache by cracking a fake egg on top of my head. He was a wonderful person and an incredible teacher. I will remember him forever.
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Stephanie Slater uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
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Mr. Petrella was one of the most remarkable people I had the pleasure of having in my life. I was a handful in high school but somehow he was always able to get through to me. He believed in me during a time I couldn't believe in myself. I only wish he knew how many lives he changed for the better.
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David Yentema uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
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Mr Petrella was our principal the first year Sage Somerset opened. I can 100% say that if it wasn't for his friendship and leadership that I would not have had the positive high school experience that I did. I still to this day reflect on the things he said and taught me, and it has changed me so much for the better. He was always so kind, always had a joke to help lighten the mood. He most certainly put the pal in Principal. I always said I would love to get in touch with him to say how well i've been doing and to thank him for putting up with my antics.... and I guess this is the closest i ever will get to it. Thank you, Mr. Petrella.
You will be missed old friend, I hope i get to hear your kermit the frog impression again some day.
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Bruce Peterson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, May 21, 2020
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I feel I have lost a wonderful friend, a school leader extraordinaire, and the best boss and principal I have ever known. Fred Petrella, who always thought of others; his drive, zeal and love for others permeated in all that he said and did. I met Fred at Sage Day in 2008. My wife and I were hired by Fred the Principal at Sage Day, Somerset--my wife taught English and I -- Social Studies. I was always amazed by how Fred handled situations--a year or so after being hired I handed in my Social Studies Lesson Plans for his review, which was customary for teachers, we handed them in on a Friday, he reviewed them passed my notebook back to me on a Monday and remarked that he was wondering if I would like him to come in to my US History II class and speak about his experiences in Vietnam. I had told the class on Friday that due to the nature of the War many people were psychologically and emotionally effected and really do not freely discuss their Vietnam experiences. But Fred was different. He offered to come in and speak to my class about his Vietnam experiences in a very supportive way. He came in, and the way he spoke about his experience in Vietnam was enough to get everyone in the room not only to be quiet, but many had to fight the tears as he explained how he came to share his experiences with others. Fred spoke about what the word: "prejudice" means--i.e. to "pre-judge" and the dangers which occur when people engage in this.
Years later, Fred retired from Sage in 2008 and I left after the Campus closed its doors in Somerset the same year, but Fred and Elaine, my wife Linda and I always cherished the lessons which Fred taught us--lessons on how to not only be the best teacher but always brought out the best in people.
I came across these two pictures. The first is at our first Sage Day Graduation Party, June 2005--Fred in the middle and I am to Fred's right and to Fred's left is my wife Linda. Fred's heart was lined with gold. The second picture is a picture of Fred and I (I was dressed as Santa) when we had the community service project at Sage Day in 2006 I believe where I dressed up as Santa Claus and had elves (students in the Community Service Club) go over and greet a group of students in the pre-school which was next door to Sage Day in Somerset.
Fred meant so much to Linda and I as well as the countless hearts and souls which he came into contact with. The lesson on patience, love and how to understand others as well as their feelings proved to be some of the underlying lessons which Fred taught everyone who he encountered. His patience, his Soul--he was definitely one of a kind. His kind soul emanated in all of his actions.
Fred would go on to publish a book entitled: "What's Cool and Cruel About School." I feel the picture on the cover of this book really speaks to the kind of character and understanding man Fred truly was. Just as ice cream melts in the sun, his personality was always positive and he had this innate talent to get to the heart of problems in a very sensitive, nurturing and caring fashion--in essence could get students to literally "melt." I had seen my instances, where a student seemed to have a major problem and Fred would work his magic and in his kind and sensitive manner, the problem seemed to melt a bit after Fred intervened.
To me, Fred is definitely a master teacher/administrator who parted the academic seas and I consider myself, and I know my wife who passed on a few years back felt as I did---his disciples--I only hope through my actions and deeds, I can be half of what Fred was--that I can take those valuable lessons and apply them in my life to help others as Fred certainly did. I hope I can continue to make Fred proud of me. I will miss you dear friend and mentor!
Always,
Bruce Peterson
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Bruce Peterson Posted May 22, 2020 at 2:39 PM
In proofreading this Memorial tribute I realized I had made a slight error, Mr. Petrella hired Linda and I in 2004 not in 2008; I should have caught this earlier. Sorry for my mistake. Bruce Peterson
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Laura Petrella Riley uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
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Dear Uncle Fred, I will never forget your love and support both in the brightest times and the darkest times, your kindness and wit, your jokes and dancing. You had an easy way about you that drew in all who met you. You were always there for us, but especially after my Dad passed. There are so many things about you that I, and all your friends and family, will forever miss.... Sending love and prayers of peace to Aunt Elaine, Cristen, and Jackie❤ Love you...Laura, Joey, Bobby, & Jaidyn
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A tree was planted in memory of Frederick Petrella
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
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Jennifer Herr posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Mr. Petrella was my favorite teacher growing up in the Morris Plains school system. My Mountain Way School class was lucky enough to have him as our interim principal in the 80s, where I first met him at age 8. I was sent to his office for fighting on the playground, and he laughed when he saw me standing next to a crying boy twice my size. (Thankfully, he got the boy to stop crying and did not call my parents.) Mr. Petrella also infused a love for American History in me and my classmates at Borough School. I remember him literally teaching us the value of a dollar when he asked us what gave money it's worth, let us guess and argue stupid answers for about 10 minutes, then shouted "GOLD! IT'S GOLD!!!" He never yelled out of anger - only to get our attention, and you remembered everything he said. During the Iraq War, in attempt to help a group of 11 year olds make sense of that situation, Mr. Petrella said "No one ever wants war, war is bad for everyone!" Only later in life did I realize this was a sincere belief he wanted to instill in us, and unfortunately not one that everyone shares. He told us stories about tear gas drills and other experiences in the military, though he never let on that he was a decorated veteran. One of my regrets is not joining the cross-country team when Mr. Petrella asked me to - I have become an avid runner in adulthood, and it was certainly a missed opportunity to be coached by a wonderful man. Sincerest condolences and warmest regards to the Petrella family.
Sally Dugger posted a condolence
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Mr. Petrella was a champion of the underdog. He chose me to read aloud every day at a time when no teachers were choosing me for anything. It was the early 80's and he championed President Jimmy Carter as well. He told us that our grandchildren would remember President Carter as the greatest president of all time. He was right. We read "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" and "Animal Farm" and both those books opened my mind to the world not just because of the texts but because of his lively discussions about them. He listened to us. We had a contest to create a commercial and my group won with a singing rendition of Golden Sunshine Bread, which must have been kinda dreadful but he made us feel great about it. My diary (paper baked in tea in the oven) of an immigrant crossing the Atlantic to come to America was really late and he not only did not mark it late but he praised it. We loved his jokes and told him he was the funniest teacher at Morris Plains Borough School, and he humbly said that Mr. Secula was actually funnier than him but we were not sophisticated enough to get his jokes (he smiled when he said this).He is one of the reasons I became a teacher myself and I now champion the immigrant population (ESL) in a large school district. I cannot say enough good things about him, but if I remember all this so many decades later he clearly was an excellent teacher.
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Love, Sally Dugger 8th Grade Morris Plains planted a tree in memory of Frederick Petrella
Sunday, May 17, 2020
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Thank you for teaching me about life, Mr. Petrella. Jimmy Carter has turned out to be the best president and Animal Farm lives. I've used it all. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Barbara Pfeil and Melinda Masi planted a tree in memory of Frederick Petrella
Thursday, May 14, 2020
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Joe Coccia posted a condolence
Thursday, May 14, 2020
I ran cross-country for Mr. Petrella and was a student of his at Borough School for about 3 years in the mid-1990s. I never forgot him and his lessons, even after all this time. I'd like to share a wonderful story about Mr. Petrella and our cross-country team. We went into Counties a major underdog; I think Mr. P. just wanted us to have fun and have a good day. He wasn't expecting a win, but I think he might have underestimated his ability to fire us up. After his pre-race speech, we ran the race of our lives that day. One by one as we crossed the finish line, it looked like we might actually place among all of these powerhouse schools! And I will never forget the moment we were told we WON Counties. Mr. P didn't believe it. I remember him shaking his head and saying no, I don't think this is right. And when it was officially announced that we placed 1st, our entire team went nuts and embraced and I saw Mr. P. wiping away tears. He was so proud of us that it just overwhelmed him, and we all cried happy tears together. Still brings tears to my eyes to this day, almost 30 years later. What a wonderful moment.
Mr Petrella was a remarkable man: a tremendous coach and teacher, a patriot and war veteran, the kind of man who shapes young lives and leaves an impact on them forever. Rest easy coach, I will run some hills in your honor this weekend.
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Dawn Resch posted a condolence
Thursday, May 14, 2020
I taught with Fred in Morris Plains! He was great person and teacher!!! I was in awe of his energy! He always had a smile on his face and was someone you went to for advice. We shared the common dreaded commute on Route 78, but it never seemed to bother him! Prayers to his family during this difficult time! Hopefully you have comfort in knowing he was loved by so many!
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ken oppel posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Fred was my baseball coach at Morris Plains for 2 years A wonderful guy who love the passion to coach the kids and was a wonderful teacher that will be missed by all Thank you for coming into my life and being a friend a coach to all whom met you at morris plains borough school
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Kim Waldek McCarthy posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Mr. Petrella’s humor and personality were such a bright light around MP Borough. He made learning & school so much better! Happy to see he lived the same full life outside of school as he did in it. So many were very fortunate to be touched by his life. He will be missed. Prayers to his family.
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Maria Cortese Scott posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Mr. Petrella was the best of the best. I was a student of his in the early 80’s and have nothing but fond memories of him and his class all these years later. He definitely inspired my love of history. News of his passing is spreading through MPBS students. All are remembering fondly and expressing sincere condolences over his passing. He certainly had a positive, long lasting influence on many, many students. Our sincere condolences to his family.
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The family of Frederick Petrella uploaded a photo
Monday, May 4, 2020
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