JAMES PETRALIA

James (Jim) Anthony Petralia peacefully passed away on Thursday July 4, 2019 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 3, 1940 in Saratoga Springs to the late Carolyn (Kostka) and Nacy (Ignatius) Petralia of Greenfield Center. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Linda (Rhodes) Petralia and his four children Jamie (Darin) Parish, Kevon Petralia, Jason (Kaleigh) Petralia and Jennifer (Ronald) DeVincenzo; his seven grandchildren Darien (Eric) Rozell, Landen (Casey) Parish, Kaileigh Parish, Leama DeVincenzo, Nacy DeVincenzo, Ayrton Petralia, Michael DeVincenzo; his two great grandchildren Beau Rozell and Hap Rozell. He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1958. Jim had a thirst for knowledge and a deep love of music, history, sports, writing, acting and movies. He played varsity baseball throughout high school, eventually pitching for a semi pro team. His passion for baseball continued when he coached 5 years of Little League for his sons and scouted local talent for the Major Leagues. During his sophomore year, he took the lead role in his high school play Oklahoma, which led to a scholarship offer by the Crane School of Music. He instead chose to study at Paul Smith’s College, graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts in 1960. He was a member of the Army National Guard, where he was recognized for outstanding marksmanship. After college, Jim worked in the insurance industry, a field he excelled in, ending his 40-year career as a Marketing Manager for One Beacon. He was a great sports enthusiast, and a big fan of all N.Y. teams, especially the N.Y. Giants. In his retirement he enjoyed expanding his vast knowledge, his wife’s exceptional cooking, and spending time with his growing family. Family and friends may call from 4-7pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home at 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Greenfield Center on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 10:30am. A celebration of life will follow the funeral services. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Online rememberances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com