Emelia Petley

Emelia T. Petley, 96, formerly of Newton Avenue, in Norwich, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2017 with family by her side.

Born March 2, 1921, in Norwich, Emelia was the daughter of Vincenzo and Angelina (Taranto) Taranto. She graduated from Norwich High School then attended the Mildred Elley Business School in Albany. After completing her studies, Emelia worked at the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company as an insurance administrator within the personnel department.

Emelia was a communicant of the Church of St. Bartholomew.

On November 28, 1963, in Norwich, Emelia married Joseph Petley. Five years after their marriage, Emelia and Joseph moved to Massachusetts. It was there that Emelia began earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. After completing her degree in 1972, she worked as an insurance administrator in Massachusetts for New England Life Ins. Co.

Upon the death of her husband in 1990, Emelia retired and returned to live in Norwich.

In addition to her parents and husband, Emelia was predeceased by her brothers, Angelo, Felix, Julian, and Emilio, and her sisters, Teresa, Rose Ann, and her twin, Edith. She is survived by 16 nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017, at the Church of St. Paul. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the church vestibule from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

The family would like to especially thank the “Angels on Earth” who provided exceptional, professional, and loving care to Emelia for many years at her home, including Wendy, Crystal, Teresa, Carol, and especially to Sandy, Erica, Laura, and Melanie. You have truly become a part of our family. The family also appreciates the care and support provided by Hospice of Chenango County.

Contributions in memory of Emelia may be made to the Church of St. Bartholomew Memorial Fund, 73 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.