Obituary of Emily D. Petronio

Passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, weeks shy of her 92^nd birthday. Emily (D'Annunzio) was born in Rochester, attended School No. 11, and graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School. She married Joe Petronio in 1954 and together they raised four children, living on Salisbury Street and Webster Avenue. She worked as a medical secretary for Dr. William Stephan for many years and loved her job. In later years, she and Joe lived on Manor Drive in Irondequoit and Oakmonte Blvd. In Webster.

Emily was a woman of faith and over the years attended St. Philip Neri Church, Annunciation, and St. Cecilia's. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; going to  lunch every month with her Mercy '51 classmates, which continued into 2025; and keeping in touch with friends and family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and crosswords. She loved Vic Damone, Andy Williams, and Gene Autrey.

Emily was predeceased by her husband Joe and her parents Joe and Mary D'Annunzio. She is survived by her children, Elisa (Rick) Cortina, Laura (Fred) Niemi, Tom (Laurie) Petronio, and Dan (Michele) Petronio; grandchildren Melissa (Brad) VanHeukelum; Tim (Katie) Cortina; Josh (Sarah Bayliss) Cortina; Amelia (Ben Vitoux) Niemi; Julia Niemi; Matt Sherman; Beth (Rick Premo) Sherman; Dan (Christyna) Petronio; Andrew Petronio; and Courtney (Adam Perkel) Petronio; her great grandchildren; her sister Margy (John) Cali; sisters-in-law Kitty Petronio and Diana Petronio; and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 20 at 12 noon at the Parkes Family Chapel at St. Ann's Community, 1500 Portland Ave., followed by a graveside ceremony at Holy Sepulchre. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leo Center for Caring at St. Ann's, where Emily spent her final days in peace.