"Dr. Petro gave me a book from his library in 1993. It was interesting to read someone got one from Amazon. On my first day of 2nd grade at West Hollywood elementary, I literally didn't make it in the door because I was scared of the male teacher. Over time, he made a great impact on my learning and my love for mathematics. Now I have my doctorate and teach at the university-level. I can truly say Dr. Petro was an effective an wonderful teacher!"
In loving memory of
Joseph P Petro
January 4, 1943 - July 16, 2013
Joseph P. Petro of Pembroke Pines, FL passed away on July 16, 2013. He was born in Cambridge, MA on January 4, 1943 the son of Peter and Kathleen Petro. He moved to FL after graduation from Boston College. Joseph taught for 37 years in the Broward County School system. In 1982 he earned his Doctorate of Education from Florida Atlantic University. Joe was well respected, admired and loved by his students, fellow colleagues and friends. He leaves behind many cousins, a Godson; Dominic, Goddaughters; Lindsey and Cortnee and many friends. Joe was a devoted Catholic whose faith guided him through daily life. He was a member of the Church of the Little Flower, Hollywood. Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Tributes
"I was new to West Hollywood Elementary when I joined his class, and he was the only teacher/person to notice I needed glasses. He even offered to buy them, in case my mother couldn't afford it. He saw and fixed a problem where everyone else saw a problem child. Thank you."
"Mr. Hoffman...You're TARDY! He barked out at a frightened 5th grader, the first day of school at Oakridge Elementary 1976... I didn't even know what the word meant...YOUR LATE! as it turned out, he seated me right in front of the class directly in front of his desk. I was shaking in my boots for a good 2 weeks. I remained in that seat all year! Many of you might remember, he wore heavy black leather shoes, usually plaid or solid brown polyester pants, a white oxford short sleeve shirt with a pocket protector, and heavy rimmed glasses and spoke in a commanding voice, that I imitated quite well halfway through the year! To make my friends giggle.. (run on sentence) he would correct me now!
He would always have to discipline James Biondi, for acting out, and we laughed and had the time of our lives with the drama... It was the year it SNOWED in Florida! I remember some of my my classmates and if I forgot you, forgive me, it's been years..., Richard Poole, Adam Sullivan, Kim Terrill, Byron Gardener, Yasmine Berry, April, Romeo Capazo, Ursula , Phil Wotton to name a few. So long ago.
But, if you knew, Mr. Petro like we did, you will now realize and I hope agree that he was one of the greatest most influential teachers' we ever had. Period!
He had a sign that read, "Knowledge is Power!" over his desk. He lived by this everyday.
He was the only teacher that I know of that had the kids make a class yearbook every year! Unheard of in elementary levels. I was "Out of tuned Mozart" we all had predictions forecast 25 years in to the future...I am a Composer and Music Producer now! Go figure...lol
Dr. Petro is the benchmark for ALL teachers, and was also a kind, moral, caring man that I would go and visit for many years after 5th grade. He changed my life in 1993 by giving me 2 books that he signed, The Bible and The University of Success, by Og Mandino. When I told him I was failing at life. He always remained positive and encouraging and was a great mentor. I turned my failures into great successes. I am 48 now and would not be the man I am where it not for that sweet, smart caring man.
He will be deeply missed by many!
My thoughts, prayers, dreams, respect and Love is always with you Joe...
See you again soon my friend, and we will play Chopin and Mozart records again and discuss history.
My sympathy goes out to his entire family...
May the words of the people that knew him give you comfort today and everyday until we are with him again in Heaven.
I just wish I found out sooner and had one more visit with him...with tears of sorrow and tears of joys ... "Peace be with you"... for all eternity.
Love Always, Michael
"
"I am very grateful to Dr Petro for being an amazing teacher to my son Jose, I wanted to tell him how well my son has been doing now that he is in his 20, has been a journey!! We were very appreciative at the time when he graduated as the most improved student. Dr Petro, you will be treasure in our hearts always !!!!"
"I just ordered a used book from Amazon stamped from the library of Dr. Joseph P. Petro. It was nice to read his obituary. I'll pray for the repose of his soul."
"You were a great teacher. I am sorry I never got to thank you in person."
"Will never forget the years we worked together at WHE. R.I.P."
"Joe, you were a great, dedicated teacher. Always there to help us in every way."
"Thanks JOE, for being such a great friend,you will be so missed. we love you."
" Thanks Joe for all the prayers and masses for my husband Chuck . We all always appreciated them. I'll miss you, nobody to celebrate St Joseph's day with. "
"A great friend for 60 years. Will miss all the talks and laughter over the years. A great and generous friend who passing leaves a large whole in my life. "
"R.I.P. Dr. Petro!! You were an awesome teacher to my son "Michael Ducker"!!"