James Petrondi

James Birchall Petrondi, 92, of Pottstown, PA, passed away on February 26, 2021.

Born December 19, 1928 in Ardmore, PA, he was the son of the late Igino and Annie (Birchall) Petrondi.  Upon graduating from Lower Merion High School in 1946, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. Honorably discharged, he returned home to his wife and family where his masonry career began.  He worked under his father-in-law and alongside brother-in-laws Bill and Ish; which they successfully ran for 35 years. During this time, they relocated from Upper Darby to Westtown where Jim built their family home.  Recognized as an incredibly hard worker by all who knew him, “Jimmy P” as he was affectionately named, also coached the West Chester Henderson Ice Hockey team for several years alongside good friend Jim Ford.

After 40 years of masonry work, and never one to sit still for long, Jim and his wife Pat began their dried flower business in Westtown.  At the age of 55, seeking to expand their business, they purchased property and restored an original 1847 farmhouse. This became the much loved and well known 1847 Farm.  Jim could always be found on his green John Deer tractor maintaining the 10 acres of fields. They grew and dried a variety of flowers that Jim wholesaled, and Pat used to create her sought after flower arrangements. Many of which were showcased at events such as Chester County Day, holiday house tours and were even highlighted on TV and in numerous magazines for their respected business.

When the time came to fully retire and sell the farm, after almost 30 years, Jim and Pat then enjoyed traveling up and down the east coast in their camper until finally settling in Elverson. But even then, you could never find him sitting for long.  At age 85 he decided to highlight his accomplished wood working skills by fully finishing the basement of their new home. This included an impressive walk-in fireplace and tavern bar where he enjoyed watching his Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Furthermore, Jim was a knowingly avid reader, car enthusiast and could frequently be found at the local library or driving around in his 1976 Corvette.  He was also a 50-year member of the Cassia Mt. Hores Lodge, #273, Free and Accepted Masons, Ardmore, PA.

Above all else, Jim was an incredibly devoted family man that could always offer a piece of advice.  He was never one to complain whether he was weeding 10 acres in the dead of summer or tackling the next project request from Pat. He was never one to ask for help, but could always be found lending a hand to anyone in need at a moment’s notice.  He will forever be remembered for his relentless work ethic, unwavering kindness, and unforgettable laugh.

Jim was the beloved husband of the late Priscilla (DiFrancesco) Petrondi; loving father of James (Wendy), Cindy Moltz (Toby), Steven, Richard (Helen), Thomas (Kim), adoring grandfather of Justan Pratt, Jimmy Petrondi, Kristie Palmer (Oliver), Kate Williams (Christopher), Sean and Sara Petrondi; caring great-grandfather of Jon Lucas, Hailey, Madison, Ridge, and Chase; and dear brother of Anne Teichmiller.  He was predeceased by his sisters: Grace Becker and Mary Davey.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, or to Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005.