Emanuel Petrella, 78, of La Plata, MD, died July 8, 2011, at his residence.

Mr. Petrella was a retired Buildings Manager with the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC and a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Korean conflict. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church - Newport, MD and in his early life was a brick mason.

Following his retirement, he was a Building Manager for the Department of Social Services for Charles County. During his buildings management era with the government, he oversaw projects at the National Zoo, the Arts & Industries Building, National Portrait Gallery, and the Washington Navy Yard. He was a jack-of-all trades, often working on cars and he loved his dog "Nicky".

Born April 22, 1933, in Youngstown, OH, he was the son of the late Giovanni Petrella and the late Teresa DeMarco Petrella.

Predeceased by his parents; his late wife, Constance Mary Petrella; late son, Michael Petrella; and a late brother Nicholas Petrella.

Survived by one son, John D. (Cynthia) Petrella of Boyds, MD; three daughters, Constance M. (Frank) Norton of Upper Marlboro, MD, Patricia A. (Ray) Reinhart of Bowie, MD, and Mary Ellen (Scott) Lenhart of Stafford, VA; two sisters, Lucy O'Bryhim and Helen (Ben) Gibson, both of La Plata, MD; grandchildren, Ryan, Justin, Ali, Calvin, and Sam; and great-grandchild, Kimberly.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 11, 2011, at 11AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Newport, MD. Fr. Mark Ervin will officiate. Interment will be at the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John, Calvin and Sam Petrella, Ryan Massey, Scott Lenhart, and Phil Gordon.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.