Anthony M Petrillo

Anthony M. Petrillo “Tony” of Mount Holly, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at his home. He was 96. Tony was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the son of the late Marie and Angelo Petrillo, on August 4, 1928. Tony graduated from G.A.R High School in Wilkes-Barre in 1946. He then went on to Mansfield University and graduated in 1950. He earned his Master’s Degree in 1962 from Rutger’s University. Tony first became the head football coach at Canisteo, NY at age 22. While at Canisteo he met his future wife, Millie (Weston), two years later he became the head football coach at Pemberton Boro High School. In 1957 Tony went over to Rancocas Valley Regional High School where he taught Physics and coached Football for 25 years. Mr. Petrillo was the head wrestling coach at RV for over 27 years. Tony received numerous awards for his successful wrestling coaching career. He was BCT Coach of the year 3 times. He compiled a record of 191-101-4 wrestling the most competitive schools in New Jersey. He had seventeen consecutive winning seasons during which his teams won seven Burlington County League Championships, five District titles as well as 51 individual District Champions, 6 Region Champions and 4 State Finalists. His 1970-71 team was undefeated. Coach Petrillo received the Harry E. Lake Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to NJ High School Wrestling (1981). He was inducted in the SJ Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1985. 1992 saw him inducted into the RVRHS Hall of Fame and later he was inducted into the SJ Coaches Hall of Fame. This was all topped off by his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in September of 2008. Coach Petrillo went on to serve on the executive committee of the SJ Wrestling Hall of Fame, SJ Coaches and Officials executive committee, NJ State Wrestling Executive Committee, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Committee. Tony was also interested in antique cars, having had several and was a past member of the Ankokas Antique Auto Club. He loved to drive his convertible cars in parades such as the Miss America in Atlantic City, Miss NJ in Ocean City, the RV parades and many others. In his retirement years, he drove cars for NADE and Manheim auto parts. Mr. Petrillo served as an Usher at the Sacred Heart Church of Mount Holly as well as a volunteer for the St. Vincent dePaul Society. He helped construct Kindergarten rooms in the Church basement as well as building much of the furniture. The cross that was displayed during the Lenten season is of his making. Carpentry was a passion. Tony was predeceased by his lovely wife, Millie; his daughter Barbara Kernagis (Al); and his great-grandson Dante. He is survived by his children: Judi, Tony (Dayle), Tom, and Linda. He especially loved his 9 grandchildren: Lisa, Christopher, Stephanie (Kyle), Kyle, Kelli (Frankie), Brittany, Dillon, Dalton (Kelly), Dustin. Great grandchildren: Nicole (Angel), Bianca (Patrick), Aryanna, Nikayla, Markie, Brynlee, Oaklynn, Miller, Mackson, Millie, Kolbie. Great-Great grandchildren: Cameron, Angel, Liam, Leo, Matteo, Kenzo, and Elliana. The brother of the late, Ida, Rose, Laura, Pat, Lou, Mike, and George. He also had many nieces and nephews. Relatives, friends and the RV community may visit with the family on Monday, June 16th from 6-8pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly. Mass of Christian burial will be Celebrated on Tuesday at 10:30 am at the Sacred Heart Church, 260 High St., Mount Holly. Additional visitation will be held at the church from 9:30-10:30. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Jacksonville Rd., Mount Holly, NJ 08060 to establish a scholarship in his memory or to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children at www.stjude.org www.perinchief.com

Anthony M Petrillo

August 4, 1928 - June 8, 2025