Henry William Petronis

Henry William Petronis, age 96, passed peacefully of natural causes on Christmas morning of 2017. Henry was born July 3, 1921, in New York City, New York. He lived on Long Island, NY, until 1971, when he moved to St. Petersburg, FL. He served as President of Aircraft Porous Media. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of PALL Corporation. Henry retired in 1985 and resided in Orlando, FL, and Easton, MD. Henry is predeceased by two loving spouses, his first wife of 44 years, Edith Meinersman Petronis, and his second wife of 22 years, Gale Rodman Petronis. He is survived by his daughters, Laurie Petronis (Jeff German) of Richmond, VA, Amy Petronis Rand of Gibson’s Island, MD, and stepdaughter Summer Rodman of Orlando, FL. He is also survived by his sister, June Sklar, of ME. Henry has three grandchildren, Henry William Rand, Alexandra Eden Petronis, and Remington James Page. Henry was an avid collector of antique automobiles and was a well-known member of countless Car Clubs and showed his cars throughout the country. Henry was well known as a driver and drove his autos across the globe with antique car tours from 1971 until his death. In addition to his status as auto expert, Henry was a boater and restorer of historic homes. He was most at home in sawdust and machine shop shavings, and was a lover of all things mechanic. Henry was a jack of trades and a master of all. Henry spent most of his life researching and was never far from a book, a newspaper, a computer, or a telephone. Although he attended Columbia University, Henry was proud that he was predominantly self-taught. He will be best remembered as a problem solver with an incredible memory. Henry was alert for 99% of almost 97 years - an incredible accomplishment and a testimony to his keen mind and strong will. Henry’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the team of caretakers and friends who helped him in his last years. Their hard work allowed Henry to live out his life surrounded by the beautiful waterfront scenery of his greatest love- his farm, Normandie. All services for Henry will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Classic Motor Museum of St. Michaels, Maryland.

Henry William Petronis

July 3, 1921 - December 25, 2017