Obituary of JoAnne M. Petrella

JoAnne M. Petrella, 70, of Amsterdam, New York passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021 at Capstone Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. JoAnne was born on December 18, 1950 in Amsterdam to Nicholas J. and Rose (Saullo) Petrella. She attended local schools, and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. 

After graduating from high school, JoAnne began her career as an Information Operator with Ma Bell Phone Company in Amsterdam. She worked in this position when Ma Bell became New York Telephone Company, and retired after New York Telephone Company became part of Verizon. 

In her retirement, JoAnne was an active member of the Inman Center in Amsterdam, where she greatly enjoyed playing in the bocce league on the South Side. She also enjoyed making ceramics, and spending time with her beloved family, laughing and making memories in her free time. She was a life-long communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, until its closure. 

JoAnne is survived by her son, Nicholas J. Burroughs of Atlanta, Georgia; her aunts, Rita Squeglia, and Margaret Phillips, both of Johnstown, New York; as well as by many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas J. and Rose, her step-father, Samuel Mucilli, and by David LaBate, her long-time companion. 

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 10 o'clock until 11 o'clock in the morning at the Chapel of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York. Funeral services will follow calling hours at 11 o'clock at the funeral home, with Father O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Amsterdam, New York where she will be laid to rest with her family.