Alexander Petrone , VRHS Class of 1940
Alexander J. Petrone, 98, died January 2, 2020, at St. Peter’s Hospital from complications of pneumonia. Born at home in the City of Rensselaer on October 31, 1921, to his parents, Carlo Petroni and Giudette Maria Guerrieri. Up until 1937, he attended Rensselaer City School but chose to enter the workforce during post-depression era to help support his family. Eventually in 1940 he was hired by the N.Y. Central Railroad to work at the West Albany steam locomotive repair shop starting as a machinist apprentice. On December 7, 1941, as Pearl Harbor was being bombed, he married Vivian F. Scott and they celebrated 71 years of marriage until her passing on December 5, 2012. His children, Judith (Robert Larkin), Ralph (Patricia), deceased Gary (Stephanie), Wesley (Patricia). Eleven grandchildre, Debra, Jay, Matthew, Christopher, Amy, Melanie, Wes Jr, Sarah, Craig, Erica, and Derrick. His six siblings, Ursuline Gray, Josephine Cote (deceased), Carlo, Joseph (deceased), Aldo (deceased), and Benjamin. He was also survived by 20 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Al was drafted into the U.S. Army May 16, 1944. He was shipped to England to Company A 765th Railway Shop Battalion. They were detailed to repair and maintain the steam locomotives that were a vital part of supplying the troops across Europe during World War II. The 765th was attached to support General Patton’s 3rd Army movements. After the war he returned to Rensselaer to work at the N.Y. Central Railroad Shop until a massive lay off in the 1950’s. He was then hired at the Watervliet Arsenal where he progressed to general foreman of manufacturing before his retirement in 1981. Al’s hobbies were hunting the Adirondacks at Avery’s, gardening, fishing at the camp and visiting relatives in the U.S. and Italy. Family was most important to him. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and made several trips to Italy to remain in touch with his Paesans. Al loved his garden and making raspberry jam to give to family & friends. Al was a life member and the last living charter member of Bailey Mountain Fish and Game Club which was founded in 1949. Al was an officer and delegate of the Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance since the 1950’s. He was also a life member of the Colonie Elks. Venison, pizza, Tags subs, and Peroni beer were just a few of his favorite foods. He’d eat anything, including all the grandkid’s leftovers. His favorite sayings: “Save your moneyâ€, “You gotta be kidding meâ€, “The reality of the situation is!â€, “Between you, me and the lamp postâ€, and “Ciaoâ€. A huge thank you to the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home who took great care of Al in his three years there as a resident. They loved him as Pop. Interment is at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to: The Ronald McDonald House of Albany, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208, or Bailey Mountain Fish & Game Club, 531 Snyders Lake Rd., Wynantskill, NY 12198, or Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance, PO box 1055 Troy, NY