Laura Mae Petrocco 1930-2024

Laura arrived swiftly into the world Nov. 5, 1930, in West Farmington, to Charles W. and Laura E. Fleischmann.

The family relocated to Fowler (formerly Nutwood) when she was 6 years old. Later, she graduated from Fowler High School with the Class of 1948. One of six siblings, Laura was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters, and is survived by two of her siblings, Eileen “Mike” Kerekes and Elwin “Butch” Fleischmann.

Married for 63 years until his death in 2016, Laura and her husband, Anthony Petrocco Jr., spent their lives together and raised their kids in Cortland, and spent their winters in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She was a partner to her husband in their land development and home building company, W.A.E. Corporation, also based in Cortland.

She leaves behind her daughter, Debra G. (Curtiss) Cunningham and her son, Anthony Petrocco III. Through her children, she was blessed with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Col. Brent J. (Sara) Cunningham, who serves in the United States Air Force, and their sons, Braden, Mathew and Chase; Troy C. (Marla) Cunningham and their kids, Logan and Chloe; Corrin L. (Mark) Schuller and their kids, Payton and Braylen; Tessa E. (Michael) Wilson; and Anthony Petrocco IV.

As her niece Jamie Morrison said, “She had one speed: GO!” – and that she did. During her late teens and early 20s, Laura was a powder puff race car driver, which birthed her lifelong nickname of “lead foot.” She was truly the life of the party, known for her strong cocktails, sharp sense of humor and contagious laugh.

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling and taking part in the local Power Squadron in St. Pete, where she was also its newsletter creator. Whenever she was in Florida, you could find her aboard the “Pudgee,” Laura and Tony’s boat. Moving back to Ohio permanently in the early 2000s, Laura traded the fun times at sea for fun times at the casino, never shying away from a good card game or slot machine.

Above all else, no one loved her family as fiercely as Laura. She was happiest when she was among loved ones, from her parents in early years of her life and the lifelong bonds she had with her siblings to gatherings with her extended family, whether it was a holiday or not, that included cousins, nieces and nephews, their children, and eventually their children’s children. To know Laura was not only to love Laura, but to be loved by Laura.

At her request, there will be no calling hours or services. Please visit www.oakmeadowcremation.com to send condolences to the family.

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