David M. Petrilla

November 13, 1953 - February 22, 2021

David M. Petrilla, 67 of Bethlehem Township and Fountain Hill, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021. He was born November 13, 1953 in Bethlehem; son of the late Andrew E. and Anna A. (Oravec) Petrilla. David was a 1971 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School where he was a member of the marching band. Until his retirement, he worked in the family business and became the owner and President of Petrilla Fuel Company, which was formerly owned by his father, Andrew. David retired in 1998. He was an avid railroader, known for his elaborate displays during the holiday season. David enjoyed watching the History and Discovery Channels, crossword puzzles and he was always fixing things that “didn’t need to be fixed.” David was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He was involved with several organizations. David was past president of the Lehigh Valley Heating Association, former member of the Bethlehem Jaycees, former member of the Oil, Heat, and Service Managers, former member of the Elks Lodge 191, past president of the Lehigh Valley Fuel Dealers Association, Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council 313 and Past Fourth Degree Knight of Knights of Columbus 931 Bishop Thomas J. Welsh Assembly. He will be dearly missed by his companion of 22 years, Posie (Rosalee) Gibbs of Fountain Hill; daughter, Melissa Holub and husband, Troy of Coplay; grandchildren, Garrett, Madison, and Ethan; sister, Anne Marie Petrilla of Bethlehem; brother, Thomas Petrilla of Whitehall; former wife, Marian Congiusta and husband, Steven of Somerset, NJ; as well as his extended family and friends. David was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew and his beloved feline companions over the last 22 years to whom he was a wonderful daddy, Murphy, Sydney, Alex (his favorite), Molly, and Lily. Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 9-10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 with a Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow. Interment will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.