Fr. Rocco Petrarca

A bronze bust of Fr. Rocco Petrarca, who served as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish from 1913 to 1948. Fr. Petrarca was extremely popular with his parishioners, and made such major accomplishments as paying off the parish debt; carrying out needed repairs on the church building; and using his medical knowledge to provide medical care for poor parishioners. He was also a gifted inventor, and created devices which were coveted by powerhouses such as Westinghouse. Because of his contributions to both the spiritual and secular lives of his parishioners, Fr. Petrarca continues to be a popular figure in the parish.