Lt Cdr Harvey J. Petrucci

Lt Cdr Harvey J. Petrucci (USN, Ret) (1925–2026)

Harvey J. Petrucci of Wilmington passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at the age of 100. He lived a life of honor, service, and loyalty, leaving behind a legacy that his family will cherish forever.

Born in Wilmington in 1925 to Italian immigrant parents, Edwarda (Fontana) and Primo Petrucci, Harvey grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood barely a block away from St. Anthony of Padua church where he attended mass regularly. Upon being drafted into the U.S. Navy during WWII at only 17, he was permitted to graduate from Salesianum School early.

Harvey answered the call to duty and served his country as a naval aviator who flew P2V ocean patrol planes charged with detecting enemy submarines. During his time in the Navy, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After completing his active duty, he came home to further his education at the University of Delaware while also remaining in the Navy Reserve.

At UD, Harvey served as Captain of the varsity golf team and Treasurer of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. After graduation, he began dating, then married the love of his life, Anne (Santillo), with whom he raised four children. In addition to being a devoted family man, he spent the bulk of his employment working for two companies, first Graver Tank, then Hercules Incorporated where he worked as a project estimator until his retirement.

In his retirement, Harvey focused his attention on his true passion, golf. He could often be found at Hercules Country Club perfecting his swing and enjoying time with his golf buddies. He loved the challenge of the game and the friendships fostered on the course. He also enjoyed spending his summer vacations at the Delaware beaches with his family where he would relax and surf fish until the early evening hours.

Harvey was a devoted family man, admired for his quiet, generous manner. He was very handy and maintained his house on Woodlawn Avenue for 67 years. He was never too busy for others, offering sound advice and often his painting services to those closest to him. He was a perfectionist at everything he did and made everyone feel welcome in his home.

He is survived by his four children, Michael Petrucci (Suzanne), Pamela Dubroff (Richard), Patricia Petrucci (Mary), and Robin Nauman (David). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Danielle, Tara, Carli, Anna, Allie, Lily, Bailey, Michael, and Margo, as well as his eight great-grandchildren, Ryder, Wyatt, Brielle, Skylar, Audrey, Aurora, Jaycee and Scottie.  He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Anne; his sisters, Angie and Theresa; his brother, John; and his great-granddaughter, Willow.

Funeral services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Harvey’s honor to Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802, or at www.sals1903.org/.petrucci

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