Joseph Charles Petrille, Jr.

Joseph Charles Petrille, Jr., 89. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Lankenau Hospital. Joseph was a resident of Kimberton, PA.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Marion H. (LaBree) and Joseph C. Petrille, Sr. Joseph was the husband of the late Barbara Mary (Engelhart) Petrille, who passed away in 2021.

As a teenager, Joseph met Barbara, the love of his life. From their first school dance together, their connection was obvious. Married in 1957, the couple enjoyed 64 years of marriage, bringing seven children into the world. Their devotion to each other was inspiring to all. He loved to travel and visited seventeen foreign countries across four continents in his lifetime. Guided by his deep and abiding faith, their visit to Israel and the site of the Sermon on the Mount was his favorite of many memorable trips. Following Philadelphia sports teams, listening to big band music, and attending many Broadway shows were among his pastimes including his meticulous attention to detail with finances and paperwork.

He was happiest in the center of huge loving family gatherings, whether it was celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying time together. With a warm personality, quick smile, and sharp wit, Joseph enjoyed telling stories, even during his final hospital stay. His wisdom, kind heart, and open, nonjudgmental way were truly valued, and he was beloved by those lucky enough to know him. Whether in daily life or in the face of tragic events, Joseph’s silent strength, and measured resolute approach to life made him both the even-keel and guiding light to family and friends.

He worked for TV Guide and Seventeen Magazine, part of Triangle Publications, for over 37 years. Working his way up through the ranks and retiring as a senior executive, he was responsible for magazine promotions and circulation. He was proud that during his tenure magazine circulation grew to over twenty million weekly magazine copies, and that he skillfully and strategically worked with artists and editors to produce compelling magazine content that contributed to its significant sales growth. At the end of his career, he provided magazine circulation and sales development consultation to TV Host Inc. and TV Guide Canada over a few years. A natural leader, he served many decades as President of the HOA board of directors for his community in Pennsylvania, and for his vacation home in Brigantine, NJ.

Joe was a member of St. Basil the Great Church in Kimberton, PA where he volunteered. He and his wife Barbara also serviced the special needs community with wellness checks to ensure their needs were being met and were in a good environment. His volunteer work included serving as Committee Chairman or the Upper Merion Baseball Association in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Serving as a youth baseball coach for many years, he was a lifelong enthusiastic Phillies fan.

Surviving is his loving family including two sons, Joseph C. (Virginia) Petrille, III and Mark (Nicole) Petrille; four daughters: Michele Bruno, Denise (Bruce) Olds, Lisa (Carl) Santoro, and Barbara (Norman) Hanson; 17 grandchildren: Kimberly (Frank) Johnson, Kristopher (Rachel) Bruno, David (Danielle) Olds Jr., Katelyn (Ian) Robinson, Melissa (Anthony) D’Annunzio, Norman Hanson, Ashleigh (Nicholas) Vespaziani, Noel Hanson (fiancé Gary Major), Carl Santoro (Allie Lucyk), Barbie (Alex) Roese, John (Kailey) Hanson, Colin (fiancé Stephanie) Petrille, Arianna Petrille, Joseph Santoro, Paige Petrille, Sophia Petrille, and Ivana Hanson; 16 great-grandchildren: Naomi, Isaiah, Maria, Elijah, Uriah, Gabriel, Logan, Tyler, Reed, Cedar, Ember, Lillianna, Luciano, Leonardo, Vincenzo, and Hugh; and many other loving family members and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by a son, Gregory Petrille, a grandson, Ryan Petrille, and a sister, Marion J. Fielding.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joseph’s viewing at St. Basil the Great Church, 2300 Kimberton Rd., Kimberton, PA on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 09:30am to 10:40am, Eulogy at 10:50am and his Funeral Mass starting at 11:00am. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, W. Conshohocken, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter for Homeless Families, Attn: Deirdre Wood, 209 Emmett St., Phoenixville, PA 19460

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd., Bridgeport, PA. Condolences to the family at www.bacchifh.com