Michael DeRose Petrocci

Larger than life. Superhero. One of a kind. Exceptional. Respected. Incredible. Mentor. Husband. Father. Brother. Friend. Poppi. Everything. To use all these words to describe one person seems unrealistic. But these are the words to describe Mike Petrocci's legacy. Everyone who knew him, knew that he was all these things and so much more. Michael DeRose Petrocci was born on January 2, 1947 in Syracuse and lived here all of his life. His parents, Michael Petrocci and Virginia DeRose, also grew up in Syracuse. They instilled in him strong values, faith in God, an unfathomable work ethic, love for family and for people who guided him through life, that, while not always easy, was, by all accounts, incredible. His childhood was spent surrounded by family in a house on Mackay Ave. in Camillus. While his father ran the family business, Michael assisted while attending West Genesee High School. 

After graduating from high school in 1965 and before attending C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, Mike met the woman who would change his life. He knew immediately that the first step to securing his future would be to marry the love of his life, Pam, and so he did on November 29, 1969. Mike started out working for the Town of Camillus as Town Assessor for 10 years before embarking on his own to blaze a new path. He worked as he lived, doing things only one way, his way. Mike was the owner of Petrocci Appraisal and Property Tax Consultants for over 31 years. He forged many special relationships and friendships throughout his career and was well-respected among his peers. Mike was a firm believer in giving back to his community and donated to several local charities. He didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk. He was also as optimistic as he was independent and strongly believed no matter life’s challenges, things will work out. Mike liked to use the phrase, “When one door closes, another opens”. 

Even with a strong devotion to his family and work, Mike still found time to have fun and embark on some amazing adventures along the way. He was a classic car enthusiast and cherished his Corvettes and 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL. Mike golfed every chance he got. He loved to travel with his bride, exploring Alaska, spending winters in Vero Beach, FL, and visiting Ogunquit, ME, every year. Mike was a member of the Disney Vacation Club since 1995, spending many family vacations at Disney World resorts and on Disney Cruise Lines. While he was certainly proud of his career and loved his hobbies, he would be the first to say that his greatest accomplishment by far was his 53-year marriage to Pam, and their family: daughter, Lisa; son, Matthew (Bobbi); beautiful grandchildren, Colden Yarah, Annaliese Yarah, Myli Petrocci and Griffin Petrocci. Mike adored them, and they him. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather to all of them. His life, the examples he set, and his deep love for them, will guide them for the rest of their days. 

Mike loved to joke around but those who knew him always knew how he felt about them. He loved his wife completely. His children knew how proud he was of them, and his grandchildren felt and saw the joy he exuded when he saw them, every single time. Mike was never shy about anything, especially his heart, which was full of love, life and laughter. That is how we will always remember him and, as difficult as that will be to achieve without him, that is how he would want us all to be.

Michael DeRose Petrocci was called home on December 19, 2022, with his beloved bride, children, and daughter-in-law by his side. Along with his immediate family, he is survived by his beloved brother, David; as well as his sister-in-law, Ellen; several nieces and nephews, including Thomas Petrocci and Lauren Manturi; and many cousins.

So, while one door closes…another opens. Farewell Dad. Farewell Poppi. You are with us forever. 

There will be no calling hours.

Services will be private.

Michael will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, 2300 5th Ave., Ste. 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960.