Hornell, New York
When Joe Petrick was in the room, you noticed. He stood six four and weighed over two-forty. He played offensive tackle for Hobart football on a full scholarship, and a scholar he turned-out to be. After his readings of W. S. Burroughs and other authors like Octavio Paz, Susan Sontag and Samuel Beckett, Joe lost interest in football. He moved on to literature and cinema studies, developing a keen and inclusive mind which he kept in agile condition right up to his last hours on earth.
Joseph A. Petrick was born in Binghamton, New York, on August 8, 1954, the son of Joseph and Pauline (nee Engates) Petrick. He grew up in Conklin. Joe passed while in palliative care at Strong Memorial on October 22, 2024 at the age of seventy. Joe leaves behind many special friends and family including his wife of thirteen years, Jane Vavala of Hornell, NY, sister Pam Smith, niece Ronica and nephew Nick Smith of Binghamton, and Jane’s daughter Jennifer Vavala of San Diego. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Jolene Petrick, also from Binghamton.
Looks can be deceiving. Years ago, while attending film school at NYU, Joe made a short film in New York City. He’d walk around some rough neighborhoods at night, filming compelling images that he came across. He frequently wore an iconic black leather motorcycle jacket which contributed to an intimidating appearance. Joe was, however, a lover not a fighter. He was kind and gentle, soft-spoken and understanding.
Several portraits of Joe were done by his close friends, artists Gail Foster and Tom Swanston. That leather jacket lasted a long time and appears in at least one oil painting by Gail and in a large charcoal drawing by Tom. Joe had a great understanding and appreciation of art and purchased numerous pieces over the years. In Gail’s words, “Few spirits have touched me like Joe has. He certainly touched my heart, gave me fuel in my art and life.”
Joe was known as “Buddy” to his sister Pam. They remained close throughout their lives and she always turned to him for advice. She remembers her father Joseph encouraging Joe in sports. Joe won the NY Section IV heavyweight wrestling title as a high school senior.
Joe graduated with a BA in literature from Hobart College where he met his life-long friends Tom Swanston and Dan Reilly, and later, Dan’s wife Aggie Pelletieri. He received a master’s in Library Science from Clarion University and a PhD in Communications from the University at Buffalo. He became Director of St. Mary’s Public Library in Pennsylvania and eventually Library Director at SUNY Alfred State College where he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship, 2006-07.
Active in all aspects of university service, Joe served both on the Alfred State campus faculty senate and as a representative to the SUNY University Faculty Senate. He enjoyed researching the histories of Alfred State and SUNY. His article, “Varied Missions in America’s Largest ‘Comprehensive University,’ an Introduction,” was included as a chapter in the book “SUNY at 60, the Promise of the State University of New York,” published in 2010.
Joe met Jane at St. Mary’s Public Library where Jane was also a librarian. Several years later, in 2011, they married. Joe was Jane’s best friend. Together, they enjoyed kayaking, traveling and biking. Joe and Jane love each other very much.
There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Joe’s beautiful life will occur at a date to be announced.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Donations in Joe’s name can be made to the charity of one’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
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