Obituary of Denis T. Petrie

Denis Petrie 69, of Niskayuna, died at home Wednesday morning, January 19. Denis never relented from his motto of, "Never give up," but ultimately lost his four year fight with cancer. Born in Schenectady on January 5, 1942, to the late Genevieve Martin Vitalo, Denis was raised by Genevieve and his beloved stepfather Arthur Vitalo. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from August 23, 1961, until November 16, 1964, as a Machinist's Mate and submariner during the cold war and Cuban missile crisis, including a cruise aboard the first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus. After his discharge Denis worked as a machinist at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, continuing his service to the U.S. Navy. He was an off road motorcycle racer and road rider. His 35 year service as an upstate NY congress representative to the American Motorcycle Association returned many benefits to the motorcycling community. Survivors, in addition to his stepfather Arthur Vitalo, include his loving wife of 28 years, Michelle Petrie, who nursed him through his illness; his two daughters who he adored, Meghan Petrie, of Durham, NC, and Kelyn Petrie, of Niskayuna; many cousins, friends, fellow motorcyclists, and brother sailors. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Monday, January 24th at 9 AM at St. Helen's Catholic Church, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., (at McClellan St.), Schenectady for those who wish to call. Burial with Military honors will follow the Mass in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Albany St., Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schenectady Cancer Foundation 1509 Union St Schenectady NY 12309