Norman J. Petro

Funeral Services will be held at a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Norman Petro, 94 , who passed away on August 11, 2011 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Reverend Kevin Bordelon will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Burial will take place in St. John Cemetery. Mr. Petro, a resident of Lafayette, LA, was the son of the late George and Mary Petro, emigrants of Ardeh, Ottoman Empire (now Lebanon). Born from humble beginnings, Norman prevailed against the odds he faced in his many 94 years. Having abandoned school at a very early age, he served in the Army Air Force of the United States, during the tumultuous World War II, an extremely difficult time in the history of our United States of America. He served as a flight engineer on the B-24 Liberator Bombers at Adak. A Sergeant in the USAAF 11th Squadron, 610th AAF Base Unit. He was enlisted from December 29, 1941 through October 22, 1945, and served most of his time in the Aleutian Islands off the Alaskan coast. He was awarded several medals while he served his country, including: Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal, 2 Battle Stars, American Theatre Medal and Good Conduct medal. Upon his return from the USAAF, he joined his brother, Bud Petro, in business of the popular ESSO gasoline station located across from Borden's Ice Cream on the corner of Jefferson and Johnston Streets. They served in business together for 51 years. He retired in 1977. 'Uncle Norman', as he was affectionately known to many of his loved ones, may be recognized in many paintings by Lafayette's own Artist, George Rodrique. Uncle Norman and his brother were George's neighbors and friends, and posed for many of his portraits. An avid dove and deer hunter for many years, Norman developed many close 'hunter buddies' through the years. He loved good food and enjoyed watching all types of sports. He will be missed by many who have grown to love him through the years. Special thanks go to all of those 'neighborhood' friends who have supported and helped look after Uncle Norman, including the ladies from Mel's Heart of Gold. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Katherine LaHood, Camay Hulin, Anthony LaHood Barry Petro, Patricia A. Petro, Michael Petro, Penny Kennedy and Rosalva Chavez and, many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Edna LaHood, Ida Wood and Annie Mitchell; two brothers, Edward "Bud" Petro and Peter Petro. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Monday, August 15, 2011 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Monday evening in the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at 8:00 am until the time of services. Pallbearers will be Howard "Doc" Ezell, Raul 'Rulo' Chavez, Dan Doise, Zach Ezell, Ron Kennedy and Terry Broussard. Honorary Pallbearers will be WWII Veteran "Good Times George" Rubick, J.D. Hulin, Rick Lecompte, and Michael Hulin. Personal condolences may be sent to the Petro family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Norman J. Petro

March 10, 1917 - August 11, 2011