Obituaries

Robert (Bob) J. Petras, Sr., age 72, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died Wednesday under the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart’s Inpatient Unit in Dunmore. He is survived by his adoring wife and best friend, Toni Scarnato Petras. The couple would have celebrated a 43rd wedding anniversary on June 30th.
Born on August 29, 1943, son of the late Charles and Jean McGowan Petras, Bob was a graduate of Old Forge High School. For over 37 years, he worked for the Liquor Control Board as the manager of several state store locations, before retiring from the Old Forge branch.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a longtime member of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Old Forge. A talented drummer, Bob played with numerous local bands, including “Late Show with the Magics” and the “Continentals.” Also a talented craftsman, Bob was especially good at woodworking. He was a self-taught mechanic who enjoyed restoring his beloved MG. He won numerous restoration awards for his work on that car but no accolade was he more proud of than his second place finish at 2016 AACA Grand National Meet in Williamsport.
Bob passed away peacefully Wednesday morning after courageously battling Cancer for the third time. Taken from his family too soon, he will be forever missed by his loved ones.
He is also survived by his children, Robert Petras, Jr., and wife Tracey of Old Forge, Martha Bamkin and husband Darren of Clarks Summit, Anthony Petras and wife Khatool of Ashburn, Virginia, Matthew Pietras and wife Julie of Germantown, Maryland, and Heather Allred and husband Paul of Perry Hall, Maryland; siblings, Ann Donovan of Old Forge, Charles Petras and wife Sheila of Naples, Florida, and Jerry Petras and wife Lou Ann of Taylor; a mother-in-law, Evelyn Scarnato of Old Forge; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bob’s family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the entire staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart; Dr. Jordan Winter and his Thomas Jefferson University Hospital staff; Dr. William Heim; and to the countless caregivers who took such amazing care of Bob throughout each of his bouts with Cancer.
Funeral services will begin on Saturday at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Prince of Peace Parish, 620 S. Main Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers and due to Bob’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the Pocono Animal Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 582, Bartonsville, Pa., 18321.