He joined the U.S. Navy, earning his wings in Corpus Christie, Texas, and served in World War II and the Korean War on ships that deployed to Japan and various locations in the Pacific, where he earned various awards including the WW2 Victory Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
He met his future wife, Voncile Williams, while stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station, marrying in 1953. During his Naval career he landed his Curtiss SB2C Helldiver many times on the USS Midway aircraft carrier. His Naval career included the earliest unmanned aircraft, commonly called drones, a skill that followed him into civilian life. He retired from Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical in 1987, and spent as much time as he could travelling across the U.S. with his wife in their recreational vehicle, seeing all of the National parks.
Pete is survived by his wife, Voncile Petrofsky; his daughter Suzanne Petrofsky; his daughter Carolyn Ryan and her husband Rick; his son Michael Petrofsky and his wife Marie; three grandsons; and two great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Pete will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.
Pete will be laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pete's memory may be made to USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/san-diego-ca for the Petrofsky family.
