Joe Petrovich

December 10, 1945 - August 2, 2012

Published in The Salinas Californian:

Longtime Salinas Resident

Joe Petrovich, 66, a long-time resident of Salinas, died peacefully in his home Thursday, August 2, 2012, surrounded by his family. He was born December 10, 1945 in Dayton, Ohio, to John and Della Petrovich.

After attending Foothill College, Joe became a career Army Officer, serving two tours in Vietnam; receiving a Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, Air Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. On completing a BA at UTEP, his final tour at Ft. Ord brought him to Salinas and his second career as a custom furniture designer/maker. After active service, he taught at the Army Command and General Staff College and loved sharing his expertise teaching woodworking at Hartnell College and Salinas High. The author of "Custom Tools for Woodworkers" and numerous magazine articles, Joe was an avid writer, reader and artist.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Tamberly; daughters, Michaela and Samantha; sister, Mary Milewski of San Jose; daughters from a previous marriage, Tonya, Natasha and Sashenka; six grandsons and seven nephews.

Remembrance Reception for friends is being planned. For information, contact the family at joe@petrovich.org.

Interment is planned at Arlington National Cemetery in the fall.

The family thanks Joe's medical team, the staff at SVMH and VNA/Hospice for the fine and compassionate care they provided.