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The Petrillose family of Burnt Hills may wonder why they were chosen as the 2010 "family of the year" by their parish's Knights of Columbus, but it's little wonder to those who may witness the family:

* trimming trees at Our Lady of Grace Church in Ballston Lake;

* sponsoring and hosting church dinners and picnics; or

* helping with events at the local fire department, the county board of elections and the Adirondack Live Steamers, a train club that's Mr. Petrillose's favorite hobby.

"We do a lot together as a family and my mom and dad are the foundation and motivation," said daughter Sue Arcaro Petrillose. "The influence of their community service was passed on to all of us."

It's worth noting that the K of C named the Petrilloses their "family of the year" even though Peter Petrillose is not a knight.

"There are so many other people in the church they could have picked," said Helena Petrillose. "I really don't know why they picked us."

Honor-able
However, Grand Knight Vern Symes said the K of C felt the family deserved the honor for their contributions to the Church. In fact, Mr. Symes said the knights have been "trying for a long time to get Peter to accept [the award] and he finally did."

Mr. Symes also noted that he has been trying to get Mr. Petrillose to join the K of C, but, ironically, he always says he is too busy.

The family was presented with a certificate and formally recognized for their service last fall. Peter and Helena Petrillose joined Our Lady of Grace parish in 1965 and raised six children; now, several of their children and grandchildren belong there, as well.

Mr. Petrillose "wants to bring people together, including our family and other parishioners," said daughter-in-law Doreen Petrillose, who attends Our Lady of Grace with her husband, Michael, and their three children.

"Everything he does is food-related," she joked.

The award was the culmination of a big year for the senior Petrilloses, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July with all of their children and 12 grandchildren present.

Busy couple
When Peter Petrillose - a retired science teacher in the Scotia-Glenville school district - isn't volunteering, he works as a registered nurse at the Glendale Nursing Home during the graveyard shift.

He's also a volunteer fireman and active in local politics. Helena Petrillose, a retired nurse from Ellis Hospital, pointed out that her husband ran for tax collector a few years ago.

For her part, she said, "I get a lot of gratification from my family as well as my brothers and sisters. Our family has their moments, but they are close-knit. They help one another even though they are busy, too."

Mrs. Petrillose added that she has a brother who is a priest and a sister who is a nun, both in the Syracuse Diocese.

Mr. Symes said that the Knights of Columbus are working on choosing the 2001 family of the year; their decision will be announced in May.

(01/20/11) [[In-content Ad]]

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