Lawrence J. Petrilli

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Lawrence J. Petrilli, 96, of Morningside formerly of Saxonburg and Butler, PA. Born August 3, 1927 in Pittsburgh. He was the son of the late Enrico and Eutemia (Manella) Petrilli. Lawrence was the owner of Petrilli’s Tavern in Morningside for 56 years. He is a member of St. Jude Parish (St. Raphael Church). He was also a member of the East Liberty Kiwanis, The Sons and Daughters of Italy, Silver Sneakers, and was a World War II Veteran of the United States Army. Surviving are his beloved wife Ausonia (Menniti), and children Mary Beth (Jim) Mongelluzzo, son Henry (Lisa) Petrilli, Theresa (Dan) Gombos, Nancy (Tom) Kravetz, Nicolina (Rob) Matschener; six grandchildren, Lauren and Maria Mongelluzzo, Megan (Rick) DiBello and Justin (Kelley) Petrilli, and Julia and Jonathan Matschener; and three great-grandchildren, Rosalind "Rose" and Lawrence "Ren" Petrilli and Marceline DiBello, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lawrence is also survived by his sister, Mary (Armando) Rossi of Verona, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Hugo Petrilli in 1971.

Lawrence and Ausonia have been married for 62 wonderful years. Lawrence was a hard-working family man. He taught his children the importance of family, strong values, a good work ethic, and honesty. Lawrence loved his dogs and working outside cutting the grass, gardening, and tending to his fig trees. Even after he retired, he never slept in and always found something to keep him busy. Lawrence loved his wife and family, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family will always remember his many stories and cherish the blessing of the long life he was given.

The family would like to thank Michelle, Britney, Heather and the staff of Amedyisis Hospice for the compassion and care that they have provided for Lawrence.

Friends will be at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Friday from 2-8PM. In keeping with Lawrence’s strong Catholic faith, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday October 21, 2023 at St. Jude Parish, St. Raphael Church at 10:00AM.

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