Mr. Theodore J. "Ted" Petrillo, Jr.

WHITESBORO - Mr. Theodore J. “Ted” Petrillo, Jr., age 74, went to Heaven peacefully when he passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016 in the comfort of his home with his loving family at his side. Born in Utica on September 10, 1942, he was the son of Theodore J., Sr. and Sally (Graziano) Petrillo. He attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy/Class of 1959. He went on to Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. He then pursued his post-graduate studies at Clarkson University where he was awarded a Masters degree in Mathematics. These accomplishments were proof of his determination and his quest for knowledge. On June 25, 1966 he married the former Phyllis Schram with whom he shared 50 years and millions of memories. Every year on their wedding anniversary Ted sent her a bouquet of red roses, one for each year, and a different color rose added in as each of their four children were born. Just like the roses, Ted’s love for her never faded. Ted started his work career in 1965 at Notre Dame High School as a Math teacher and subsequently became department chair. He was also appointed as the Athletic Director. He worked with all the coaches to increase a sense of accomplishment and an awareness of each student’s strengths and potential while providing the best environment for the students to grow and shine in their chosen sport. In 1978, he had to leave his beloved teaching in order to earn enough money to support his growing family. He ventured into hospital finances, first at St. Elizabeth Hospital and later with Brim National Health Care. Then, in 1992, at the Thursday weekly Utica Roadrunners event, Ted’s friend Bob Ingalls asked to run with him and informed him about the position of Budget Director at Oneida County. They were looking for someone with knowledge of budgets and one with great integrity, and Ted fit the bill. During his time in this role, he was nicknamed “tight pockets” by several of the legislators and department chairmen. In 2002, he was able to return to his cherished teaching at the then Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School where he was assigned five classes of 8th graders, and he proceeded to disprove the theory that “you can’t go back”, realizing that educating students then was the same as in 1965. He had realistic expectations that one could infuse in children the ability to obtain the level of pride they were entitled to. It was very satisfying watching young men and women experience life. He followed these students through high school and even checked on some in college. Throughout his life, Ted received many honors and awards, too numerous to mention, but two that he cherished were the 1996 Road Runners Club of America Outstanding Club Volunteer and the accomplishment of completing the Save Our Switchbacks Project (SOS) at the Utica Parkway. Being that running was such a big part of his life, he extended his time to the Heart Run, the Boilermaker, and the Parkway Developmental Runs. Others could depend on the Petrillos to be either participants, spectators, or volunteers for these organizations. Ted took great pride in his children and all that they accomplished. He wanted to be known as a man of integrity, just like his father. He enjoyed running and had completed 27 Boilermakers. One of his favorites was when he ran with his nine-year-old son and viewed it through his eyes. He also ran 7 marathons with his “run buds”. You could always find Ted and Phyllis at Notre Dame as scorekeepers, clock operators, or stat keepers. He took over the Cross Country program at Notre Dame and built it up to 59 runners. He believed in team spirit and unity and started Sunday morning runs from his home; at the end of the runs the kids were fed pancakes, and on the last week, French toast. Ted also had a passion for meteorology and weather watching, and was affectionately known as “Ted Doppler”. His “run buds” would call him and request the latest radar and weather forecasts for a certain date, at a certain place, and even at a certain time... and Ted would advise them as to the conditions to be expected! Ted and Phyllis were devoted to their Catholic faith and were daily Mass attendees, lecturers, and Eucharistic ministers, formerly at St. Anne’s Church in Whitesboro and currently at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in New Hartford. Besides his wife, Phyllis, Ted is survived by his children, Sue and Scott McCandless of Orchard Park, Debi and Mark Babowicz of Oneida, Dave and Judy Petrillo of Niskayuna, and Steve and Andrea Petrillo of Lagrangeville; his nine grandchildren, Sarah, Erin, and Bryce McCandless; Gabi and Max Babowicz; Zach, Danielle, Nicole, and Alison Petrillo; his sister and brother-in-law, Maryellen and Al Miller of Canastota; and his brother, Bob Petrillo of Utica. He also leaves his in-laws, Patty and Herm Fruchtenicht of Fairfax CA, Rich and Donna Schram of Utica; his favorite aunt and uncle, Patty and Banny Campbell of Maine; numerous cousins with whom he loved spending time; several nieces and nephews; and his best friends, Bob and Nancy McQueen. He was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Peg and Herm Schram; and his sister-in-law, Mary Jean German. The family extends their gratitude to Ted’s oncologist, Dr. Najam Din, Kari Moorhead/PA, Dr. Gilbert Lawrence, the entire staff of the Visiting Nurse Association, and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, for their medical expertise and compassionate care. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be considered to the Ted Petrillo, Sr. Scholarship Fund established in 2002 at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ted’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum, Courtyard of the Pieta at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mr. Theodore J. "Ted" Petrillo, Jr.

September 10, 1942 - November 18, 2016