Southern RR of NJ's Joe Petaccio has passed away I just heard. The SRRofNJ has been home to full restored locos including a LV C-420 and O&W 44-tonner. Various historical groups have kept equipment on the line.

He will be missed.

Rob

I have received several E-mails and telephone calls over the last two days concerning the death, after a battle with cancer, of Joseph Pettacio, the owner of JP Rail, dba the Southern Railroad of New Jersey. Joe's tenure at SRNJ was, at best, controversial. There are times, however when such things should simply be set aside. In the final analysis Joe was, as are all of us, a human being with a family and friends who are grieving and will miss miss him.

We extend our condolences to the Pettacio Family and to Joe's friends.

Requiescat in Pax

GME

Then why mention it? Is a backhand any less painful than a forehand?

Joe lent a helping to hand to many preservation projects, both those connected directly to his road and those he was personally interested in. The ARHS benefited greatly from his interest.

I knew him only via email since I never got the chance to take him up on his offers for me to come visit the line, but as far as the subject matter of this board goes, he furthered the cause of preservation. A fitting tribute would find the LV C-420, NYO&W 44-tonner and the F units in good hands either on the line or with new homes, and the stored historical equipment welcome to stay.

As far as NJ goes, it is the shortlines past and present that have been friends to most of the preservation that has been mustered in the state. The SRRofNJ, BR&W, M&E, NY&GL, CMSRR and the W&W have all played significant roles in the preservation community.

Rob

Not only is this a loss to the Railroad Community, but also to the Port Richmond Community and His Parish Church, which he was both heavily involved in.