- Date Of Birth: August 24, 1969
- Date Of Death: August 27, 2021
- State: Pennsylvania
Terry “Poatch” L. Petrill, 52, formerly of Latrobe, passed away Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 due to complications from COVID. During Terry’s last days, his loving mother and father, Roxie and Jack Petrill were by his side. He was born Aug. 24, 1969 .
Terry and his family lived on a parcel that once belonged to his Great Grandfather, Joseph Elliott. His cousins Jeff, Rick, and Dennis Macioce also lived next door. They saw each other daily and felt closer than cousins when young and feisty. Growing up in the country, Terry learned to ride his peddle bike, and minibike down the driveway to make the jump he had prepared .He later advanced to dirt bikes and rode “Wheelies” across the field behind his house.
Loved playing backyard football with his cousins and dog Brutus. His Uncle Fran got him involved in wrestling and Terry loved it. He was hooked. He loved Professional wrestling and would watch it with his Grandma Louise.
Going to Middle school he met his lifelong friend Sean Rock. They were friends from day one until now. In Jr High he wrestled and played football. His Jr High wrestling coach was Mark Billett. Under his guidance the wrestling Squad was undefeated in 1983.
On to senior high, while playing football in Senior high, Terry broke his arm and was unable to play. They found a position for him as “Poatch” to coach without being called coach. That nickname stuck and Terry became Poatch.
During the summer and weekends, he and his brother had to work with their Dad at the construction business. They worked all summer and paid for their own cars, bikes and insurances.
His high school days were such fun and his Class of 1987 remained friends to this day. Student Council, football practice and some social events we won’t mention, were fun times for him. He graduated from Greater Latrobe Sr High 1987.
Lifelong friends : Scott Cabazulo (Lurch). Doug Vallana( Diggem). SEAN Rock(Rock) Todd Maffee and Terry (Poatch) would call each other and get together to continue good times at least once a year.
After High School he embarked on new adventures. College one year. The Navy, and then to VA with his brother Kevin and Todd Maffee. They all roomed together and that is where Terry learned of a wrestling school in Charlotte NC.
He moved to Charlotte and went to Ivan Koloff’s wrestling training club. He wrestled in Charlotte and bounced in clubs and was security for concerts and events . There he made more great friends with whom he kept in touch until his passing.
He was in a relationship with a girl , Tracy Johnson, for 8 or 9 years . even after they were not a couple any longer, they kept in touch. They had planned on getting back together soon.
Charlotte was the place he got his love for the dog breed English Bulldog. He eventually owned 4 of them during his life.
But he also got involved with manufacturing of Windows and Doors. He had a knack to organize and coordinate the production floor to make the manufacturing process easier more productive and financially sound.
He went from laborer to production manager to VP of operations in such a short time. He became known as the man to go to for production turn around. Thus, with his knowledge and proven track record he ” turned many many companies around , from near bankruptcy , to profitable enterprises. His current challenge was Vinyl Max of Albany , NY. where he was last employed as Production Manager .
Terry played as hard as he worked. When he entered the room, it lit up, because they knew Terry was going to make it a good time. Nobody was a stranger to Terry. He loved to sing Elvis songs and could tear up the dance floor. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was quick to shed a tear.
He will be missed by all that knew him. He was an unforgettable person.
In addition to his parents Roxie and Jack Petrill, Terry is survived by his brother Kevin (Laurie) Petrill of Atlanta, GA and his nephew Zachery Petrill (Samantha) of Charlotte, NC. Also. His little brother (cousin ) Jason Weirs, his sisters Tracy Overbeck ( cousin) and Tami Pitz (aunt) He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Terry was predeceased by his grandparents Francis and Louise Pitz, Isadore and Mary Petrill. His Uncle Fran Pitz, Uncle Skip Surovy, Uncle Denny Petrill and Uncle Jr. Petrill also Uncle Dan Weirs.
