Major Usaf

Major Ed Petroski, USAF (Ret) has been an Abilenian since 1969. He passed from this world on Friday, February 24, 2017. His graveside funeral service with United Stated Air Force Honors will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 in Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

Ed was born in a small town in New England. He excelled in athletics and received a football scholarship to attend Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the end of his college career he received a contract to play for the Greenbay packers. He had also spent his college years in ROTC and chose the USAF Pilot Training Program as his career, where he received several medals and commendations in recognition of his excellent service. His faithful service to our country included numerous missions during the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Captain Ed Petroski distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight on 5, February 1962 west of Lajes Field, Terceira, Azores. On that date, as commander of a KB-50 tanker assigned the emergency refueling of an F-100 fighter, Captain Petroski displayed outstanding professional ability in the rendezvous, hook-up and maintaining of his aircraft as a stable platform over an extended refueling track. The conduct of this mission is an emergency which could have resulted in loss of life and aircraft. Captain Petroski's actions reflect positively on the United States Air Force and are worthy of The Air Medal and Air Force Commendation medals awarded him.

Captain Petroski was promoted to Major and went on to receive The Distinguished Flying Cross.

Major Ed Petroski distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participation in aerial flight as a C-130 E Pilot for the 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kontum Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 1 June 1972, on that date Major Petroski flew a munitions resupply mission to the surrounded city. Despite intensive hostile ground fire and threat of SA-7 missiles, he successfully completed this vital mission contributing significantly to the defense of Kontum. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Petroski reflect great credit upon himself and The United States Air Force.

Ed retired from the USAF at Dyess AFB and continued to work for the community. He started a dump truck business, Petroski Hauling, serving many Abilene Residents.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Joe Petroski; his son, Richard Petroski and his wife, Sheila Petroski.

He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Wells; his grandson, Dr. Joel Wells and Joel's wife Dr. Katerina Wells. Ed also has extended family in New England.

We will miss you Poppa!

Service

Cemetery