JOSEPH JAMES PETRANTO May 2, 2024
Joseph passed away peacefully surrounded by his favorite music and his loved ones last week.
He is survived by his son, Steve (Maria); daughter, Lisa; and grandson, Joe. He was preceded in death by wife, Audrey; his son, Paul (Shirley) and grandson (Anthony.)
He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a LANL mechanical engineer extraordinaire, and a big band enthusiast. He was also a faithful member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and a dedicated Cowboy and Broncos fan.
Joseph was blessed by many members of the Los Alamos community. Thank you, one and all, for supporting our father for 75 years!
Excerpts from Joe’s 99th birthday letters…
Bless you, Joe. We have been good friends forever.
Your positive attention and acceptance had a lovely effect. The unconditional love was felt deeply and will always be remembered.
Though there are many superlatives to describe you; humble is my favorite. Thank you for the love, kindness, concern, and generosity you showed to so many.
I appreciate the hospitality, generosity, and love you gave me. This is the love that has made me treasure our big, extended Italian family.
I wanted you to know that I often reflect upon my early days at the lab when you and King Hiteman gave me Weapons Engineering 101 down in the canyon. You two were the epitome of what has made this Laboratory such a great place to work.
My father-in-law, Dale, remembers that you were a very special, loyal neighbor. The close-knit bond that you had as neighbors felt more like family. Those are ties that last forever.
Thank you for taking care of others for 99 beautiful years on this earth. I became a part of one of the most wonderful families, and I loved it! I am so much a better person for knowing you and experiencing your love and warmth.
I consider myself lucky to have grown up next door to you and your family, Joe. You were always one class act.
It has been an absolute honor and joy to be counted as of friend of Joseph Petranto – the man who just happens to be the dearest friend of so many people I’ve loved.
You are truly one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. You are an example of the person we should strive to become.
Grandpa has always given me good advice – words to live by. My favorite is, “One of the keys to being successful is to go the second mile.” I have tried to live my life with this in mind. It has served me well. Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you for everything.
Your compassion and generosity touched many lives, and you brought a lasting joy to our family.
You are truly the most amazing and inspirational man our YMCA class ever met. We aspire to be as healthy and happy as you are at 99 years old.
Back in the 60’s, the Smith family loved being next door neighbors to the Petrantos. There are many wonderful memories of those years.
I hired into the lab in 1989, but I had to wait 11 months for a clearance. I really appreciated then, and still do today, how much you worked to include me. Your friendly manner was wonderful.
You set an example of a great spirit for me. It’s inspiring to see how you overcame obstacles of life with never-ending optimism. You give me a different perspective on life.
Being around people like you make me a better person. My sons and I have been blessed to know you. We all need to be reminded of true values in life, and you are such a reminder for us.
Joe is truly a brother of the Lord Jesus and the son of Mary. He shared that love with everyone he encountered, day in and day out. I preached the gospel — Joe Petranto lived it.
Joe lived to be 102 years old. Bravo to the fabulous Dr. Patrick Martin and Tracy at Satori Healing. Thank you to Los Alamos Visiting Nurses and the caring and compassionate employees at Los Alamos Senior Living (Aspen Ridge.) We are grateful to the amazing DOL Professional Case Management team and appreciate the remarkable IHM staff members. Thank you, Knights of Columbus and Lasses and Lads of Enchantment, for honoring him. And finally, to his beloved Rosary group…he was happiest in that little chapel with you!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation in Joseph’s name at https://t2t.org.
A rosary will be said for Joseph on May 10, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Please join us for a luncheon and reception at the St. Thomas Religious Education Center after the mass. Internment will follow at Guaje Pines Cemetery.
Our loved one has been entrusted to the care of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
