Joseph Robert Pettella's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Joseph Robert Pettella
Joseph Robert Pettella, affectionately known as "Joe," entered this world on October 5, 1929, in Jersey City, New Jersey, born to Nicholas Pettella and Mary (Perrine) Pettella. His earthly journey concluded on December 12, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by the warmth of his loving family.
As a spirited child growing up in Jersey City, Joe's heart belonged to the ballpark. A genuine "big baseball guy," he enjoyed cheering on the New York Yankees and found inspiration in watching the legendary Jackie Robinson. In January 1951, his adventurous spirit led him to the United States Navy. After putting in his time with the military, Joe began his career as a records supervisor for a petroleum company, from which he retired early in the mid 1980’s.
Love found its way to Joe at a wedding in upstate New York when he crossed paths with Mary Agnes Buebendorf. Despite Mary's initial reservations, Joe persisted, and their love story unfolded. Their union was sealed on June 29, 1957, in Staten Island, New York, resulting in a legacy of four children—MaryAnne, Joseph Jr., Victor, and Laura.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joe was a man of diverse passions. A movie buff with an ear for song, he enjoyed concerts, sports, especially baseball, and the timeless tunes of Frank Sinatra and Andrea Boccelli. His family fondly remembers his talent for crafting songs and jingles, a testament to his creative spirit. An extroverted soul, Joe possessed the unique gift of making anyone laugh, regardless of the circumstances. His dedication as a husband, father, and grandfather knew no bounds, and he always went above and beyond for his family.
While age limited his travels, Joe always made the effort to travel for his family, particularly for his great-grandson, Paolo, with whom he shared a cherished and special bond. Joe’s passing leaves a void that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. His family takes solace in knowing that he is now reunited with the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Mary Agnes.
Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas Pettella and Mary (Perrine) Pettella, his beloved wife Mary Agnes Pettella, sister Gloria Pettella Budkoski, grandson Eric Neimeister, and brother-in-law Steve Budkoski. He is survived by his four devoted children—MaryAnne Wetzler and her husband Jack, Joseph Pettella Jr. and his wife Tresa, Victor Pettella and his wife Amy, and Laura Neimeister and her husband Christopher. Additionally, he leaves behind his six grandchildren—Kimberly and her husband Jean, CJ, Jonathan, Bryce, Lucas, and Avery, his great-grandson Paolo, and nieces, Barbara Davit, Mary Jean Budkoski, and Gloria Budkoski Peters.
Joe's memory lives on in the hearts of numerous friends and extended family members who dearly loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to kindly request memorial donations be made out in Joseph's name to either Transition's LifeCare Hospice or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may do so by calling Transitions or St. Jude's directly. Transitions Hospice: (918) 551-6879. St. Jude's: (918) 502-6720.
A public visitation will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at Floral Haven Funeral Home: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Anyone wishing to send flowers for services may do so by ordering through our website or by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Any other florists may deliver flowers directly to Floral Haven Funeral Home by 3:00 PM on Thursday, December 14, 2023, in order for them to be set out and properly displayed for Joseph's visitation.
A funeral service to honor the life of Joseph will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Floral Haven Funeral Home in the Rose Chapel, located at 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012, with Chaplain Henry Bartlett and CJ Wetzler officiating. The U.S. Navy Honor Guard will be in attendance to perform military honors in tribute to Joseph's service to his country.
Joseph will be laid to rest by his wife and the love of his life, Mary Agnes at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?
