Obituary: Philip J. Petrocelli

Philip J. Petrocelli, at 88

Philip J. Petrocelli of Hull died on December 20, 2023 with his family by his side. He was 88. The beloved husband of the late Eleanor M. (Shea) Heavern Petrocelli, father of Philip V. Petrocelli and his significant other, Suzanne Branson of Dallas, Paul A. Petrocelli of Scituate, Michael A. Petrocelli and his wife, Tami, of Hull, Mark J. Petrocelli and his wife, Tammy, of Scituate, Jack Heavern of Hingham, Denise Musket and her husband, Ken of Lincoln, R.I., Elaine Hurley her husband, Brian, of Hull, Paul Heavern and his wife, Denise, of Hull, and Susan Richardson and her husband, Mike, of Hingham. Brother of the late Barbara Wallace and Nicholas Petrocelli. Devoted Papa to Christina, Danielle, Michael, Rebecca, Nicholas, Mia, Alyssa, Paul, Ryan, Matthew, Erica, Nicole, Julia, Brendan, Connor, and Shea. Great-grandpapa to Jack. Mr. Petrocelli is survived by his companion, Audrey McNiven, and his many nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Petrocelli was born in Boston, raised in Dorchester, and graduated from Saint Gregory’s High School and Boston State College. He initially taught school, transitioned to become a successful South Shore contractor, and later in his career, founded Petrocelli Public Insurance Adjusters, which he felt was his true calling.

Mr. Petrocelli was ambitious, a self-starter, and industrious. He taught his children the values of hard work, independence, and a belief in oneself. He enjoyed living close to the ocean, playing golf with his wife, Eleanor, and friends in N.C., and he would toil away for hours in his shop. He loved being with people, enjoyed a party, a good laugh, and the Red Sox. Most of all, he loved his time with family, which included his four sons, his extended family with Eleanor M Heavern, his brother Nick, sister Barbara, and all his nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours were held on Dec. 27 in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 40 Sea St., North Weymouth, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated on Dec. 28 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church. Cremation will follow.

Donations in memory of Mr. Petrocelli may be made to Pat Roche Hospice House, 86 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, MA 02043. Visit www.keohane.com online condolences.