Obituary of Julia Pettinelli

Julia Pettinelli, 101 years of age, of Rome, NY passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022 at home. She was born in Irvington, NJ, on August 19, 1920 daughter of the late Anthony and Angelina Timpinero Zappulla. On May 4, 1946 she married Nicholas J. Pettinelli in St. Leo's Church, Irvington, NJ. He passed away on April 26, 2002. Julia was employed for a short term at Griffiss Air Force Base. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church and enjoyed their prayer meetings and always sharing her love of the lord and his helping hands with others. Julia was also a volunteer at Rome Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Cynthia Pettinelli, Redwood City, CA, a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Roger Girouard, Rome, grandchildren; Liane and Jonathan Nicolas, Jon Pettinelli, Leslie and Alejandro Cruz Jose, and a dear sister-in-law Beatrice "Lucy" Pettinelli and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers; Tony, Joseph, Eddie, Charlie, George and Lorenzo Zappulla and sisters; Phyllis Marzarella, Lucy Caracino, Flo Brucato, Mary Abel, Anna Zappulla and Yolanda Jasinski. Mom was blessed to have wonderful caregivers throughout the years that cherished and loved her and we grew to love and cherish them as well. She also has a special friend, Martha, who was very dear to her. Mom had quite a following on Facebook and she taught us never underestimate the joy you can bring someone no matter how young or old you are and that God has a purpose for your time here on earth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Those wishing to attend are required to wear a mask. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., on Friday February 11, 2022 from 3-6 p.m. Spring Burial will be St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Julia's name to: Awaken Church, 5526 Rome Taberg Rd, Rome, NY 13440, to further Compassion Care in and for the local community. To offer online condolences, please visit www.jnbushfuneralhome.com