Amidee Petrarca

Amidee ( known as Eddie Petrarca) was born on October 29, 1924 in Coventry, Rhode Island to parents Domenica Di Carlo and Salvatore Petrarca, Eddie was the youngest of seven siblings. The oldest Joseph Petrarca, Millie Calderone , Albert Petrarca, Rose Mederios , Adolph Petrarca and Anthony Petrarca. His parents migrated to the United States by ship from Fornelli, Italy and landed in New York. His father was a chef on the ship and his mother was a seamstress.
He lived a very modest life with hardworking parents until he and his four brothers were all drafted into the US Army during WWII where he fought bravely on the front lines during the invasion on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Incredibly, all 5 brothers came home from war, a mother's true blessing. Eddie was honorably discharged in 1946. In the late 40's, he moved to California with his cousin Don DeMartino and lived an exciting life in Hollywood frequenting all the iconic nightclubs of that era enjoying the Jazz greats. He met Patty Fowler ( his wife ) at the union station Post Office in Los Angeles DT. They were set up on a blind date, fell in love and married on October 28th, 1950 in Rhode Island. They went on to live in South Redondo Beach where Patty had grown up, bought a home and had three daughters, Sondra, Susan and Gina. Eddie is survived by his 3 daughters, two son n laws, 5 grand children and 9 great grand children who he loved very much. Eddie and Patty enjoyed trips to Las Vegas where they saw his idol Frank Sinatra and Elvis. Eddie even played cards at the same table as Frank and felt that exchanged glances as only true "guidos" would know. Eddie didn't like to fly so they enjoyed over 40 cruises to Mexico and the Panama Canal on the Princess Cruise Lines, their travel of choice. Up until her death in 2006. He did make a dream trip to Italy with his best friend an army buddy Joe Karan, daughter Susan and son - in - law Don Tortorice which was very special to him to meet his family and cousins that live in Fornelli.

Eddie worked his many years at HITCO in fiberglass manufacturing and was blessed to retire at 59. He was a Catholic man of faith and continued to pray the rosary. He spent his remaining years until his death at home, gardening, taking care of himself, and kept active and drove until he was 95. He loved his home, it was his pride and Joy as well as he loved animals and his dogs, Jasper and Marley.

He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Patty, who I'm sure he is dancing in heaven right now to Frank Sinatra.