Rose Petrella

Rose Petrella, age 87, passed away peacefully Friday evening, January 31, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born in Castelbottaccio, Italy, on December 19, 1937, and came to the United States in 1953 with her widowed mother, Mary DeOto. In 1958, she married Gaetano "Guy" Petrella, and together they settled in Struthers, Ohio, where they began their family.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Rose was a hardworking and selfless woman. She found joy in being a homemaker while also helping her mother run Carlucci’s Pizza in downtown Struthers. After Guy passed away in April of 1987, Rose went on to work in the home decor department of J.C. Penney Department Store where she enjoyed assisting clients and forming new friendships. 

Rose’s motivation in life was rooted in her love for the Lord and her family, and she demonstrated this love through her many acts of kindness and dedication. She was a faithful and longtime member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Church in Struthers.

Her heart was open to helping others, and she poured her love into her family in countless ways. Rose was known for her incredible cooking, especially for family gatherings that always centered around a table full of homemade meals. With every dish, she added a special ingredient-her love-creating meals that brought joy to everyone around her. Her generosity extended to her neighbors, always offering a hot meal and a warm smile.

At the age of three, Rose was preceded in death by her father, Matteo DeOto, who was killed in Albania while fighting in World War II. Later, Rose was preceded in death by her mother, Mary; her beloved husband, Guy; and her grandson, Daniel Trunko.

She is survived by her three children, Gina (Scott) Trunko of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Vince (Janet) Petrella of Findlay, Ohio, and Lisa (Charles) Johnston of Hudson, Ohio; her grandchildren, Matthew (Staci) Trunko, Tim (Bekah) Petrella, Amanda (Fiance' MacGregor Howey) Petrella, Nicolas Petrella, Gianna (Joshua) Lichty, Michael Johnston, Aidan Johnston, and Andrew Johnston; as well as her great-grandchildren, Carter Trunko, Addison Trunko, and her upcoming great-grandchild, Baby Petrella, expected in March.

Rose’s life was a beautiful example of unconditional love, faith, and service to others. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street, Poland, Ohio 44514. Friday, February 7, 2025 a prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Church with Fr. Zachary Coulter officiating. Interment will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville.

Rose's family requests in lieu of flowers memorial tributes take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org.