Union members and Democrats around the state were shocked Saturday upon learning of the death of Brian Petronella, the president of the 10,000-member United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 371.
The state Democratic Party, in an e-mail to fellow Democrats, described Petronella as "one of its great labor leaders'' who "dedicated a lifetime to Connecticut's working families - not only through his leadership in UFCW, but in his commitment to a multitude of local service organizations.''
Petronella, 54, is survived by his wife, Elaine, and two daughters, Lindsey and Ashley.
A wake will be held on the day of the Democratic primary from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Magner Funeral Home on Mott Avenue in Norwalk. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church on Maple Street in New Canaan.
http://www.courant.com/community/norwalk/hc-petronella-0809-20100808,0,1845315.story