George Petrilla

George Petrilla

Age 91 of Crest Hill, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Amita St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet with his loving family by his side. George was born on July 20, 1930, in Joliet, IL.  After high school George proudly joined the United States Navy during the Korean War. Once he was discharged, he started working at Illinois Bell where he met his wife, Helen. He worked there until he retired.  After retirement he loved helping his sons, George and Jeff, at the family business, Joliet Ceramics. George helped start Gallery 1700 with his wife and boys in 2009. When he worked at the ceramic shop, he earned the nickname Grande. He loved the nickname and smiled when people called him that. His favorite place to be was in New Smyrna Beach, Florida at his house. You could find him either golfing, ball hawking (looking for golf balls around the neighborhood), eating shrimp stuffed jalapenos at Clancy’s Cantina, or enjoying a drink at The Breakers looking out to the ocean. He loved playing cards in the morning with his wife and tinkering around the house. George was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Shorewood, IL and multiple VA clubs.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his infant son, Gregory Paul and his parents, George and Anna Petrilla. Plus, numerous sisters and brothers-in-laws.

He is survived by his loving a devoted family: his sons, George Petrilla of Crest Hill: Jeffrey (Brandy) Petrilla of Joliet. He was grandpa and papa to: Ryan, Alexis, Anthony, Margaret, and Sofia Petrilla. One sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Richard and Carol McGuire of Prescott, Arizona. He had special nieces Karen O’Connell, Mary Kay McGrath, and Holly Kerwin, and Michelle Beck and his Godson, Robert Kerwin and nephew, Michael McGuire, as well as many other nieces and nephews. He loved his visits with his nieces and nephews. They often brought food over and checked on him.

Per George’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

A celebration of George's life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 305 E Black Road in Shorewood. Pastor William Ryden will be officiating and military honors will be rendered at that time to recognize George's service to his country.