Richard A. "Rick" Petrella, Sr.

of Cranston passed away Thursday April 16, 2020 at Kent Hospital in Warwick. He was the beloved husband of M. Patricia (Ferrara) Petrella for almost 55 years whom he loved with all his heart.

A son of the late John and Theresa Petrella, he grew up in Johnston. Rick graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Bryant College and RIC where he earned his Master’s Degree. He was a United States Army Veteran.

Rick was a school teacher in Pawtucket for 32 years before retiring to become the president of Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union, currently RI Credit Union. Upon retiring from the Credit Union, Rick enjoyed traveling with his wife Patty and playing cards with his friends at “The Club”.

A faithful communicant of St. Mary’s Church, he was President Emeritus of the St. Mary’s Feast Society (La Madonna Della Civita) in Cranston.

Rick loved being surrounded by his 11 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters and never missed a chance to go to the Casino.

Mr. Petrella as he was known throughout Cranston Youth Sports was the President of Edgewood Youth Hockey for 20 plus years. Rick was also a coach with Cranston Western Little and Senior Leagues.

Besides his wife, he leaves three children, Richard A. Petrella Jr., Mark A. Petrella and his wife Tracy and Kim Burns and her husband Paul all of Cranston. Rick leaves many nieces and nephews and friends. He was the brother of Robert Petrella (Joyce) of Warwick and the late John J. Petrella of Johnston and Donald (Ducky) Petrella of Cranston.

His funeral will be private due to the Covid-19 virus. A Memorial Mass in celebration of his life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: RI Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809.