Atty. James Petraglia

POLAND - A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at 11 a.m., celebrated by Msgr. William Connell, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, for Atty. James F. Petraglia, 56, who died Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

James was born Aug. 13, 1960, in Youngstown, the son of Dr. Samuel F. Petraglia and Atty. Catherine (Turnbach) Petraglia.

He attended Cardinal Mooney High School and graduated from The Kiski School in Saltsburg, Pa. "Jim" received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Westminster College and then went on to earn a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1988.

Atty. Petraglia began his career as assistant city solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh. He then went on to work as deputy attorney general for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After moving back to Ohio, Jim was Human Resource director for the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners. Jim was also general counsel human resources director for Gillece Services in Bridgeville, Pa.

As a young man, Jim was an active sportsman. He played tennis at Cardinal Mooney and rugby at Kiski Prep. Jim was also a natural when it came to snow skiing, maintaining proper form no matter the condition or terrain. As he entered the work force, Jim became an avid golfer; he was fortunate enough to score a hole-in-one at his home course, Connoquenessing Country Club. Jim also enjoyed the camaraderie of the first day of deer season.

From an early age, Jim had an affection for automobiles. Over the years he had the distinct pleasure to drive many fine cars including a Rolls Royce, Porsche, DeLorean, several Mustangs, Cadillacs and Corvettes. His favorite was his 1976 Pontiac Trans Am, 50th anniversary edition, one of only 1,682 ever made.

James was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, attending many games in person and never missing a televised game. He loved reciting lines verbatim from movies with his favorite actors, Charlton Heston, George C. Scott, Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson.

Jim was a proud member of Theta Chi fraternity at Westminster, always wearing his class ring. After living at the Links-at-Firestone Farms in Columbiana, Jim moved his family back to his boyhood home in Poland, where he cared for his mother during her final days.

James was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, the former Sherie Rudick, whom he married Aug. 26, 2006; three children, Samantha Petraglia of Wexford, Pa., William Petraglia of Wexford, and Jacob Petraglia of Jeanette, Pa.; his in-laws, William and Ida Rudick of Jeanette; an aunt, Rosella (Robert) Mastandrea of Dayton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may call for one hour prior to the service.

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to The Glenbiegh Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 298 Rock Creek, OH 44084, or to the Holy Family Church, 2729 Canter Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Visit www.Higgins-Reardon.com to send condolences.