Fred Petrolla

NEW MIDDLETOWN - Prayers will begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church, for Fred F. Petrolla, 84, formerly of Poland, who died at his home in New Middletown.

Fred was born Sept. 28, 1930, in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Palmina (Panuzio) Petrolla.

He graduated from East High School in 1948. He was an accomplished drummer, a member of the band and also played with the Ohio'ins band. He wrote, composed and recorded six songs with his band "Freddie and the Polka Pals." In addition to his musical talents, Fred was a gifted carpenter, was an amateur astrologist, and worked at Republic and LTV Steel.

Fred was a longtime member of the Holy Family Church, where he was also an usher.

He also coached and managed for the Poland Baseball Association, was a former president of the Mahoning Valley Astrology Association, and was a member of the Poland Council of the Knights of Columbus.

His wife, the former Lola Deramo, whom he married July 8, 1950, died Jan. 4, 2001.

He is survived by his daughter, Pattie (Thomas) Welsh, with whom he made his home; a son, Joseph (Christine) Petrolla of Poland; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Heather Petrolla.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Angelo Petrolla; a sister, Virginia Neff; and brothers John, Felix, James and Domonic.

Friends may call Monday from 9 a.m. until prayers at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.

Fred's family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the local Parkinson's Foundation in Fred's memory, in care of the funeral home, 2726 Center Road, Poland OH 44514.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.