Nick "Gunner" Petrovich, Sr.

Nick “Gunner” Petrovich, Sr., 94, a dedicated husband, companion, father, uncle, and former community leader, passed away on October 26, 2024.

He was born on November 21, 1929, in Weirton, WV, One of eleven children born to Steve and Helen Cimesa Petrovich, Nick lived a life marked by service, commitment, and compassion.

Growing up in Weirton, Gunny was an enthusiastic athlete who played high school football. After the untimely passing of his father in his senior year, he stepped up to support his younger siblings by working in the mill after school. His strong sense of duty continued as he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

In 1953, while on leave, Nick met the love of his life, Ann Moynihan, on a blind date. Their courtship blossomed through letters, primarily filled with tales about his beloved beagles, until they married on September 9, 1956. Their home was often a gathering place for friends and family. They enjoyed a loving marriage that lasted 45 years until her passing in 2002.

In his later years, he found a deep love once again when he met (Mary) Joan Rodgers. They were together for 16 years and she was by his side until his last breath.

Dedicated to the local youth, Nick cherished his role as a coach for the Weirton Baseball Association, leading the nine and ten-year-old all-star team to an impressive 32 consecutive wins over two years. His commitment to his community was further demonstrated during his 35 years at Weirton Steel, where he served as a union representative and Division 1 Steelworks Chairman during the ESOP negotiations. He also served as a chairman for the annual United Way Fund Drive, showcasing his dedication to helping those in need.

Nick was a seventy-one-year member of the Steubenville Beagle Club and Co-founder of the Appalachian Gun Dog Brace Federation. During his lifetime, Nick raised several AKC Field Champion beagles and served as Field Trial Secretary for both Steubenville and Imperial.

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Ann, Nick was predeceased by his brothers Fred, Eli (Otts), Mike, Steve, Peter, and Sam; and his sisters Millie Dragisich, Dorothy Balla, and Marie Scott.

Nick is survived by his sister Angela Pievach, his special companion, Joan Rodgers, his three sons: Daniel (Carrie) Petrovich, Nick (Bea) Petrovich, John (Paula) Petrovich; grandchildren Alex (Alice) Petrovich, Jacki (Will) Petrovich, and Zach (Mandy) Petrovich; and great grandchildren. He will be remembered with love by his nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Gun.

Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 PM at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 AM.

V. Rev Stavrophor Rajko Kosic will preside.

Interment will follow at the Serbian Cemetery in Weirton with Military Honors conducted by the United States Marine Corps and the American Legion Post 10.

Contributions in Nick’s memory may be made to Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, Steubenville, OH

Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com