Rick Petracca
1956-03-01 2025-01-31
Louis "Rick" Richard Petracca
Louis Richard “Rick” Petracca
March 1, 1956 – January 31, 2025
Louis Richard “Rick” Petracca, 68, of Bluffton, SC, passed away on January 31, 2025. Born on March 1, 1956, in New Brunswick, NJ, Rick lived a life defined by ambition, generosity, and deep devotion to family and community.
Rick grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and attended Mt. Lebanon High School before continuing his education at the Pennsylvania State University. He spent most of his adult life in Chicago, IL, where he built a successful career in investment banking. He held leadership positions at William Blair and Legg Mason before co-founding Waterway Capital, LLC in Boston, MA. His keen financial insight and leadership earned him great respect, but it was his kindness and willingness to uplift others that left the greatest impact.
A passionate philanthropist, Rick gave generously to many charitable causes throughout his life. He established the Petracca French Department Travel Award for Study Abroad at Penn State, enabling students to experience education beyond the classroom. In Chicago, he mentored and provided scholarships for inner-city children, helping them attend private high schools and preparing them for college. His dedication to giving back extended to his role on the board of the Colleton River Charitable Fund, where he worked to support local communities. Rick loved to golf, ski, play hockey and tennis and travel the world with friends.
Rick was a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Petracca; his brothers Dean (Kelly) Petracca and Joseph Petracca; and his sister Kim Petracca. He was also a beloved father to Michael (Rachel) and Laura (Dan) and proud “Papa Ricky” to grandchildren, Sloane and Henry. Rick is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Petracca Emmons, and his parents, Louis Richard and Loretta Petracca.
Rick will be remembered for his unwavering generosity, kindness, and deep love of his family and friends. His impact will continue to be felt in the lives of those he mentored and the countless individuals who benefited from his philanthropy.
A private memorial will be held and the Petracca family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to:
Community Foundation of the Low Country - Colleton River Charitable Fund
(in memory of Richard Petracca)
4 North Ridge Drive
Suite A
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Louis "Rick" Richard Petracca, please visit our Tree Store.
Louis Richard “Rick” Petracca
March 1, 1956 – January 31, 2025
Louis Richard “Rick” Petracca, 68, of Bluffton, SC, passed away on January 31, 2025. Born on March 1, 1956, in New Brunswick, NJ, Rick lived a life defined by ambition, generosity, and deep devotion to family and community.
Rick grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and attended Mt. Lebanon High School before continuing his education at the Pennsylvania State University. He spent most of his adult life in Chicago, IL, where he built a successful career in investment banking. He held leadership positions at William Blair and Legg Mason before co-founding Waterway Capital, LLC in Boston, MA. His keen financial insight and leadership earned him great respect, but it was his kindness and willingness to uplift others that left the greatest impact.
A passionate philanthropist, Rick gave generously to many charitable causes throughout his life. He established the Petracca French Department Travel Award for Study Abroad at Penn State, enabling students to experience education beyond the classroom. In Chicago, he mentored and provided scholarships for inner-city children, helping them attend private high schools and preparing them for college. His dedication to giving back extended to his role on the board of the Colleton River Charitable Fund, where he worked to support local communities. Rick loved to golf, ski, play hockey and tennis and travel the world with friends.
Rick was a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Petracca; his brothers Dean (Kelly) Petracca and Joseph Petracca; and his sister Kim Petracca. He was also a beloved father to Michael (Rachel) and Laura (Dan) and proud “Papa Ricky” to grandchildren, Sloane and Henry. Rick is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Petracca Emmons, and his parents, Louis Richard and Loretta Petracca.
Rick will be remembered for his unwavering generosity, kindness, and deep love of his family and friends. His impact will continue to be felt in the lives of those he mentored and the countless individuals who benefited from his philanthropy.
A private memorial will be held and the Petracca family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to:
Community Foundation of the Low Country - Colleton River Charitable Fund
(in memory of Richard Petracca)
4 North Ridge Drive
Suite A
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Louis "Rick" Richard Petracca, please visit our Tree Store.