Michael Anthony Petrillo, 63, of Newcastle, passed away on the evening of Oct. 4 surrounded by his loving family, just six days short of his 64th birthday. Born on Oct. 10, 1951 in Bath, he was the son of Anthony and Pauline (Bartlett) Petrillo.
Mike grew up here, attending local schools and graduating from Lincoln Academy in 1969. He went on to attend Thomas College before returning to the area and becoming a big part of the community. Throughout the years he gave back to Lincoln Academy as a member, and past president, of its Alumni Council; as well as being a trustee for six years. He also served on the Great Salt Bay Community School Board for four years, with one of those as president.
He went to work for Continental Telephone Company, now Tidewater Telecom, in 1974, and worked his way up through the company over his 38-year career. He started as a lineman, became an installer repairman, later an inspector, and retired as their outside construction supervisor in 2012.
Residing in the home built on family land in Newcastle, with his wife and two daughters, he served the town in several different capacities; he was a member of the Newcastle Fire Department, the Budget Committee, and the Board of Appeals.
A member of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Lions Club for 40 years, he was their past president, and was a recipient of their National Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Mike and his brother, Barry, served together in the Lions District 41-I and earned President of the Year and Secretary of the Year, respectively, in 1981. Mike continued his active role in the district and was awarded Secretary of the Year in 1984.
Mike enjoyed his daughters’ sporting events while they were at Lincoln Academy, and continued to support the teams even after they had graduated. As a younger man, Mike was a member of the Dyn-o-mites men’s softball team and more recently he always looked forward to the weekly card games with his poker buddies, and enjoyed the occasional visit to Foxwoods. More than anything though, he loved his time with his wife, daughters and extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Barry L. Petrillo; and brothers-in-law, Chick and John Bowers.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lynne Bowers Petrillo of Newcastle; daughters, Katherine Petrillo Guenzel and husband Joseph, and Alexandra Petrillo and boyfriend Chris Vautour; sister-in-law, Lisa Bowers; nephew, Ian Bowers; niece, Adrienne Irons, husband Tim and their sons, Brayden and Noah; nephew, Ryan Bowers and wife Chelsea, and their daughter Georgiana; as well as extended family and friends.
A time of visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Fri., Oct. 9 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Sat., Oct. 10, at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle with the Rev. Richard Newell officiating. He will be laid to rest privately in the Bartlett-Jones Cemetery in Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Energy Fund of Lincoln County, PO Box 40, Bristol, ME 04539.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
