Joseph Petras

Joseph (Joe) J. Petras, (89), of Binghamton, died February 6, 2018 at Binghamton General Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Barbara Gorgos Petras; one daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Bill Serbonich, Ohio; and one grandson, Josh Serbonich, Oregon; sister Elizabeth Palenik, Texas; brother-in-law Richard (Mary Jane) Gorgos, Binhamton, and sister-in-law Kathleen (Mike) Samulka, Endwell; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families. Joe was born in Binghamton on April 4, 1928, to Joseph and Anna (Zahrodnik) Petras, the youngest of five children. He graduated from the former Binghamton North High School in 1946 and enlisted in the Army Air Force.  After he was discharged from the service, he enrolled at the former State Tech, now Broome Community College, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Joe retired from Stow Manufacturing Company after working for over 40 years as a drafting engineer. One of Joe’s great loves (besides his wife!) was golf.  He enjoyed a weekly game with three buddies who were teachers at the former Binghamton Central High School.  Many fine tales came from those golf outings!  Joe was a talented photographer and filled several albums with beautiful pictures of New York State parks and pictures from the many he took with his wife and family. Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother Bill and wife Dagny, brother Milan, sister Vlasta and husband Earl Marshall, brother-in-law Louis Palenik, mother-in-law Anna Kazo Gorgos Kendrot, father-in-law Julius N. Gorgos, sister-in-law Shirley and husband Dean Zimmerman, nephew Scott Gorgos and niece Darlene Palenik. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am, Monday, April 9, 2018 at Saints John and Andrew RC Church, 1263 Vestal Avenue, Binghamton with the Reverend Monsignor Michael T. Meagher officiating. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home.