Joseph Henry Petrowski
Nov 19th, 2023
Joseph Henry Petrowski, age 69, of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 19th, 2023, surrounded by family at home on his beloved Cape Cod. Joe was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on April 5th, 1954, to Anne (Nessralla) Petrowski and Henry Petrowski.
Loving husband of Debra (Manson) Petrowski, devoted father to Evan Petrowski, Sheila Petrowski, Jean Hudson, and Marilyn Lavoie; welcoming father in-law to Meghan (Bushnell) Petrowski, Zachary Hudson, and Joseph Lavoie; adoring grandfather to Leonard Joseph Hudson and baby Petrowski (due 2/1/24). Also he was the loving son-in-law of Julia Manson.
Growing up in Brockton, Joe and his mother started “Anne’s Fruit Stand” in front of their home in the early 1960’s. That enterprise supported them both up to and through Joe’s college years.
Joe graduated from Boston College High School in 1972, and cum laude from Harvard University in 1976, with a degree in Economics and Government.
He was best known for the years he spent leading Louis Dreyfus Energy and as the CEO of Cumberland Farms & Gulf Oil, where he pioneered programs that bridged the gap between commodity trading and convenience retailing. Most recently, he worked as a senior advisor to fuel retailer and convenience store operator Yesway, where he was credited with helping make the company an industry leader.
He was often a featured interview on CNBC, Fox Business News, Bloomberg Radio, and other media outlets as an expert in downstream oil markets.
An active member of many non-profit and trade associations, Joe served on the Board of Directors for South Jersey Industries, Boston College High School, Trinity Catholic & Claremont McKenna College.
He authored numerous articles on energy, trade, public policy, and market development. He was a contributing editor to the Wall Street Journal and testified before several Congressional committees and regulatory agencies on energy and international trade issues.
Joe’s ideal day would be spent in a beachside Adirondack chair reading the newspaper, listening to play-by-play of the Sox, enjoying a cigar, and engaging in deep conversation with loved ones.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave. South Yarmouth, MA on Sunday December 3 from 9-10:30 am. A funeral service to follow at 11am, with burial at Woodside Cemetery, Yarmouth Port, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s name may be made in the form of contributions to The Cape Cod Foundation (https://www.capecodfoundation.org/donate/).
Guest Book
My deepest sympathy to Joe's family and warm thoughts of a man that I had the privilege of working with for a brief time. Joe always had a smile and never hesitated to stop and talk to any of his employees regardless of their status within the organization. Joe could make us all laugh. I will remember Joe for this and his genuine characteristics.
My deepest sympathy to Joe's family and warm thoughts of a man that I had the privilege of working with for a brief time. Joe always had a smile and never hesitated to stop and talk to any of his employees regardless of their status within the organization. Joe could make us all laugh. I will remember Joe for this and his genuine characteristics.
Condolences to the family. Was a classmate of Joe’s at St. Edward’s . I always knew he’d do great things. RIP Joe
My deepest condolescences to Joe's family fro one of his grade school classmates and the old neighborhood! Will always remember delivering vegetables in your "Red Finned Bomber". Rest in Peace.
Dear Debbie and family, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will Always remember your kindness .God bless . Lynne Slamin-smith