Raymond Petrus 1934-2025
YOUNGSTOWN — Raymond Petrus was peacefully shepherded from death into Eternal Life on All Souls’ Day, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in the home that he loved and cherished, surrounded in spiritual presence by his family and his memories of the life he shared with them.
Raymond Richard Petrus was born Aug. 1, 1934, as the second son of John and Anna Petrus of Struthers. His older brother, Ronnie, welcomed his new sibling, and they became loving, dedicated companions who formed an affectionate bond that endured from cradle to grave. The young family moved to Youngstown shortly thereafter, where they remained their entire lives.
Raymond graduated from Chaney High School in 1953 and then attended Youngstown State University, where he played football until he joined the United States Army in 1956.
Upon returning to Youngstown after his service, he worked for Isaly’s dairy company as a home delivery salesman.
In 1959, he married Karen Roberta Kroll, beginning a lifelong partnership built upon faith and commitment. He introduced his family’s Polish heritage to Karen, and all of the celebrations of their life together were fondly observed with traditional food, polka music and dancing.
In 1962, Raymond and Karen moved into the very first house built on Bears Den Court, where they raised their four children, Crissy, Carol, Raymond (RJ) and Bobby.
In 1962, Raymond was appointed to the Youngstown Police Department as an officer, and in 1969, he was promoted to the rank of detective. In 1982, he was appointed as commander of the crime lab until he retired from the force in 1990.
After retirement, one of his favorite pastimes was serving beer and chili dogs to his countless friends at Cherol’s Bar.
Raymond’s entire time on Earth was spent in Youngstown. He loved the Chaney Cowboys. He loved to ski, to walk and rollerblade, and to ride his Harley. His home was directly behind Arco field and he was a frequent attendee of the baseball games, where the sound of Karen’s cowbell could be heard near and far.
An avid golfer, he played for several decades and shared his enthusiasm for the game with his children and grandchildren. As witnessed by his father-in-law, Bob Kroll, and reported by the Youngstown Vindicator, Raymond experienced the thrill of hitting the first hole-in-one of the season at Dogwood Golf Club in Lake Milton.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; by his beloved brother, Ronnie; by his wife, Karen; and their daughter, Christine; along with his sister-in-law, Suze.
Raymond leaves his remaining children, Raymond John (Jill) in Youngstown, Bobby (Maribeth) in Boardman and Carol (Jose) in Las Vegas. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, along with several neighbors who loved him throughout his many years on Bears Den Court.
Per Raymond’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services, although friends will be gratefully received 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, preceding a memorial Mass at 11 a.m., at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown. A luncheon will follow at noon.
As a proud veteran of the United States Army, the Youngstown Police Department and the Game of Life, we thank Raymond Petrus for his unwavering dedication and service to his country, his family, to the city of Youngstown, and to his friends and neighbors.
Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.
(special notice)