Lafayette, Louisiana - Family leader and energetic entrepreneur are words that describe Joseph Sarcene Petro, Jr. But, perhaps one of his best-known roles was that of a generous host who opened his home not only to his family and friends but also to those who found themselves in need of a place to celebrate the holidays. His hospitality and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Most often referred to as "Junior" or "Joe", he was born in Lafayette on December 22, 1930 to Joseph S. Petro Sr. and Florida Dominique Petro. Surrounded by family, God called him to his reward on May 30, 2025.

Junior was raised in the rich traditions of his Lebanese heritage, where he learned early the deep value of family. He attended Cathedral Catholic and remained faithful to the principals of the Catholic Church throughout his life. He proudly and honorably served in the United States Army. Above all, he was a devoted son and a protective, loving brother to Rosemarie and Cathy.

Junior met Sylvia Ashy, they fell in love and married soon after. Together, they raised nine children and built an exceptionally close-knit family. Sylvia was the perfect partner for the gregarious and spirited young Junior who loved to dance and perform. She was the quiet force behind a man who was truly larger than life. Some years after the passing of his beloved wife of 40 years, he found companionship again and remarried to Edrea Weiss.

While he enjoyed his roles as husband, brother, uncle, friend and businessman - he most deeply cherished being a father and a son. Junior shared a close bond with both of his parents and followed them into the family's supermarket business, Petro's Supermarket, now Acadiana Superette on Lamar Street. After taking over his family's business, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished. He expanded into a wide range of ventures, each reflecting his vision and creativity. In the 1960's, he opened a club aptly named, "Peaceful Village", capturing the spirit of the era. The unique space connected two houses - one side featured a bar with a loft, while the other offered billiards and an array of pinball machines.

However, it was his admiration for his mother's work ethic, strength, and devotion to family that shaped his life. He carried those values into adulthood, working tirelessly to provide for his wife and nine children. But, his energy level never waned at the end of the day when family obligations called. He was the central figure in all of his children and grandchildren's lives. Everyone in his family nucleus knew that they could go to him in good times and bad times. He was the rock upon which his large family was built. Several of his children followed him into business, or managed his businesses.

Junior single-handedly founded the Fat Albert's Fried Chicken franchise, known for their generously large chicken pieces, complete with its own original jingle! He even successfully fended off challenges by entertainer, Bill Cosby, for the rights to the name. His endless energy and drive were on display when he expanded his Lafayette stores to Church Point, Rayne, Kaplan, New Iberia, Grand Coteau, and Arnaudville. He crossed state lines to open three locations in Houston, Texas.

Another local favorite, Bisbano's Pizza, offered college students more than just a slice - it was also a spot to enjoy live acoustic music. Located next door to Fat Albert's, it sat just off of what was then the USL campus. These service businesses represented just one facet of his diverse business portfolio. He also achieved considerable success in real estate, with investments in both residential and commercial properties. Among his most notable properties was the Professional Building, located across the street from what was then Lafayette General, and is now Ochsner's Hospital.

While he worked extremely hard, he played hard, too. During the holidays, his gatherings were a true reflection of his generous spirit - lunches and dinners could include up to fifty guests, and his celebratory parties were known to bring together hundreds of friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

Another meaningful influence from his mother was a deep connection to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where she served as an original board member alongside founder Danny Thomas. Continuing her tradition, Junior organized and hosted fundraisers supporting St. Jude as part of his philanthropic efforts.

Junior found a life-long passion for the game of poker. Guided by fierce determination and strategic instincts, his achievements at the table were no accident. These qualities earned him success in numerous tournaments, steadily building a name for himself at the tables. His poker career reached its pinnacle on May 8, 1987 with his crowning achievement: winning a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet in Las Vegas. From that moment, he earned the nickname the "Louisiana Kid" a name still spoken with admiration in the poker world today.

Joseph S. Petro, Jr. leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, especially his family. He was someone who was always there for you when you needed him. His footprint on this earth is large.

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Petro; children, Joseph S. Petro III (Connie), Paul Petro, Mary Petro Kidder (Ronald), Freda Petro Talbot, George Petro (Patti), Sylvia Petro Tongate (Jacky), Ronnie Frisby (husband of his daughter Cynthia) and Brenda Petro (wife of his son, Kenneth Petro); his grandchildren, Daniel Boudreaux, Joshua Talbot (Taneeya) , T.J. Delhomme (Annie), Colby Kidder, Trevor Kidder, Michael Talbot (Bryan), Lindsey Petro Budden (Blake), Robbie Petro Lefevre (Matt), Tiffany Leger, Jared Leger, and Leah Tongate; his great grandchildren, Taylor Boudreaux (Kourtnie), Kealie Petro, Harper Talbot, Anna Kidder, Kayla Kidder, Baillie Kidder, Lily Kidder, Logan Budden, Olivia Budden, Madeline Budden, Owen Lefevre, Reid Lefevre, Londyn Thompson, Channing McDaniels, Amielle McDaniels, Olivia Richards, Landon Leger, Gavyn Leger, Gunner Leger, and Lexi Leger; great-great grandchildren, Graham Boudreaux and Annie Boudreaux; sister-in-law, Beverly Ackal; and too many other family members to mention here.

Junior was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Sylvia Ashy Petro; parents, Florida and Joseph Petro, Sr.; sister, Rosemarie Koury; daughter, Cynthia Petro Frisby; sons, Kenneth Petro and Gregory Petro; grandson, Jason Petro; and son-in-law, Roger Talbot.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for Joseph Sarcene Petro Jr., 94, who passed away on May 30, 2025.

Very Rev. Chester Arceneaux VF, Pastor of Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Lectors will be Robbie Petro Lefevre and Lindsey Petro Budden.

Entombment will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Bertrand on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM on Wednesday evening in the funeral home. Visiting hours will continue Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Talbot, Michael Talbot, Colby Kidder, Blake Budden, Matt Lefevre and Taylor Boudreaux.

Honorary Pallbearers are T.J. Delhomme, Trevor Kidder, Ronnie Frisby, Jacky Tongate, Ronald Kidder, and Bryan Landry.

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Joseph Jean-Batiste, Shirley McPherson, Senior Helpers and all that were involved in the amazing care, kindness, generosity and support of Junior. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff with Calcutta House & Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations and in memoriam giving be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Joseph S. Petro, Jr. at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com

Joseph S. Petro, Jr. and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

Copyright Delhomme Funeral Homes, Inc. May 2025.