Joseph Petenko, 94, departed this life on September 30, 2024, at JFK Medical Center Hospice Care, Edison NJ. He was born in 1930 in Perth Amboy, NJ and resided in Metuchen and Edison prior to moving to his daughter's home in the Menlo Park Terrace section of Woodbridge, NJ.

After graduating from Perth Amboy H. S. in 1948, he was drafted into the U.S. military and served in the Army during the Korean War. As a young man, he was a member of the Amboy Dukes Drum and Bugle Corps. He played a mean bugle. Later in life, he was a member of the Clara Barton Seniors Club and the Edison AARP #3446 social club.

Joe worked as a refrigeration mechanic at DuPont in Parlin, NJ for more than 30 years, retiring in 1992.

Joe and his wife, Gloria, traveled all over Europe, Canada and the U.S. They also loved bus trips and playing slots in casinos. Most importantly, he was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He also enjoyed spending time outside in the yard, relaxing porchside with his grand-dog Nitro.

He was predeceased by his wife Gloria in 2021, brother John and sisters Eleanor and Pat; his nieces Anette and Natalie.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Wendy and husband Bill; son, Joseph and wife Valerie; grandchildren, Christopher and girlfriend Johanna as well as her daughter Mia; Jaclyn; Erin and husband Shai; Michael and girlfriend Caitlin; great-granddaughter Rylee as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be private and entrusted to Flynn and Son / Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to JFK Medical Center Foundation-Haven Hospice.