Richard W. Petro, 87, of South 14th Street, Niles, died at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 at West Woods of Niles following a brief illness.

He was born Dec. 2, 1921 in Kaleva, Mich. to Wilfred Rich and Vada Irene (Pollock) Petro. He graduated from Niles High School and lived here most of his life. He earned his associate’s degree from Michiana College of Commerce. He retired in 1987 after 30 years of service at Simplicity Pattern Co. in Niles. On Nov. 17, 1951 in Goshen, Ind., he married the former Dorothy Reiff, who survives.

Richard was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Niles, where he was very active in the choir and was the treasurer. He loved his family and church camping vacations. He enjoyed vegetable gardening.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; children, Ron (Rhonda) Petro, of Three Oaks, Cynthia Jackson, of Niles, Sherrie (Tim) Vermande, of Indianapolis; grandsons, Michael, Daniel and Steven Petro; half-sister, Olive Petro, of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Robert W. Petro, who died Oct. 22, 2002.
A funeral service for Richard W. Petro will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Niles, with Dr. Anthony Tomasino, of the church, and son-in-law, Tim Vermande, officiating

Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, concluded by a flag presentation and “Taps” by American Legion Post 26 in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Richard may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.