John Petrizzo

John J. “J.P.” Petrizzo, age 76, of Tellico Plains went home to be with his Lord, Sunday, February 3, 2019 while surrounded by his loving family at their home.

He was preceded in death by his father, John J. Petrizzo, his mother, Amelia Petrizzo, one sister, Lorraine Peters, mother-in-law, Etta Wilson, father-in-law, Bradley Wilson and brother-in-law, Dennis Theel.

John had a long military career beginning after graduation from high school. First, he joined the United States Air Force serving 2 years. Next, he transferred to the United States Navy serving 4 years as a Seabee. He found his true calling in the armed forces when he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving 4 tours in Vietnam as a decorated sniper.

After his years in service he met and married his wife of 48 years, Portia. When John retired in 1992, he moved to East TN to make his home in the Green Cove community. Portia soon followed after her own retirement.  He ran a local store in Green Cove and enjoyed fulfilling the love of hunting and fishing in the mountains he called home. John was best known for his kind and caring ways, he was always thinking of others and was there to help anytime he saw a need.

He is survived by his loving wife, Portia Petrizzo; daughters, Christina Cosgrove and Jennifer Fehrman; sons John and Michael Petrizzo and Jonathon Viik; sisters, Theresa Franzken and Beverly Degina; brothers-in-law, Walter Franzken and Anthony Degina: sister-in-law, Bonnie Theel; brother-in-law, Donald Peters; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several special friends; many nieces and nephews.

The family held a private celebration of life service last weekend, sharing a lifetime of memories made together. Myers Funeral Home of Tellico Plains, TN is in charge of arrangements.