Obituary of Richard Petragallo

Dick passed away peacefully on August 19th, 2021 surround by loving family members. A beloved husband, father and friend, Dick leaves behind wonderful memories for his family and friends to cherish. Dick was born December 15, 1933 in Spokane, Washington. After graduating from North Central High School, Dick attended Washington State College before enlisting in the Navy. After his service during the Korean War, Dick returned to Washington State College to finish his education. Dick’s career was spent in the food industry. He was national sales manager for Norbest Turkey Company and was a founding partner in Pacific Food Marketing, a Portland food brokerage company. As Dick’s career advanced Dick and his first wife, Carol raised their three children while living in Clarkson, Washington; Salem, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. Dick had a life-long love of sports. He was a high school and college basketball official and was involved with softball as a player and an umpire for over 45 years. Dick was a nationally recognized softball umpire. He was selected to umpire in 8 national softball tournaments and served as the Umpire-in-Chief for the Portland Metro Softball association for 15 years. He was responsible for the training and oversight of over 100 umpires. Dick was inducted into the Portland Metro Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1995. It was through softball that Dick met Charlene. They married on December 1, 1989 in Vancouver, Washington. They had 32 wonderful years together. Dick and Charlene moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1998. In 2001 Dick was selected to be a Golden Glover for the Arizona Diamond Backs. This was the year they won the World Series. One of the highlights of his life was being on the field in his Diamondback uniform for the seventh game of the World Series. His World Series ring is a cherished possession. Dick also loved the game of golf. He got a hole-in-one and shot his age before he had to give up the game due to failing health. While these are memorable events, Dick always said the best part of retirement was the time spent with family and the fun times he had with his wonderful Sun Lakes friends. Dick found joy in bringing smiles to others. He had the unique ability to make every day events memorable and he did so by building relationships. He never forgot someone’s birthday and was quick to send a card (a Crystal Card of course!) so they knew he was thinking of them. He lived the life he loved and loved the life he lived. “It just doesn’t get any better” he would often say. Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene; brother Jim; sons Rick (Jamie), Mike (Laura); daughter Kathy (Tres); step-daughter Melissa (Michelle); step son Kelly; grandchildren Jessica (Paul), Kylie, Honey (Joey), Rachel (Matt), Sam, Taye, Grace and Devon and 2 great grandchildren Sage and Emma. A celebration of life will be held later this fall. Donations in Dick’s memory can be made to Hospice of the Valley.