In remembrance of WVU Division of Physical Therapy founding member John J. Petronis

John J. Petronis, PT, MS, an esteemed physical therapist and educator, died Sept. 9, 2025. He was 82.

Petronis was born in May 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He received a scholarship to attend East Stroudsburg State College, now East Stroudsburg University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology.

He went on to earn his physical therapy certification from the University of Pennsylvania and later recieved a master’s degree in anatomy from West Virginia University. As a founding faculty member of the WVU Division of Physical Therapy, Petronis served as assistant chair from 1997 to 2013. During his 45-year tenure, he taught more than 1,200 students.

He remained in Morgantown for the final 55 years of his life, receiving numerous honors, including the 1979 West Virginia Physical Therapist of the Year Award from the West Virginia Physical Therapy Association and the WVU School of Medicine Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education in 2000.

Upon his retirement in 2013, he was named Professor Emeritus. His legacy continues through the John J. Petronis, PT, MS, Endowed Scholarship, established in 2020 to support aspiring physical therapy professionals at WVU.

“John was a pillar of the physical therapy community here at WVU and around the state,” said Dr. Mary Beth Mandich, WVU School of Medicine Health Professions vice dean. “His commitment to his profession and to the education of countless students continues to be an inspiration for all of us. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched through patient care, education and mentoring.”

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 4 in Okey Patterson Auditorium, WVU Health Sciences North Building, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown. A reception will follow in the Pylons lobby. All are welcome to attend. For those who can't attend in person, a livestream will be provided. View the livestream here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John J. Petronis, PT, MS, Endowed Scholarship at give.wvu.edu. Use 3Z912 and the scholarship can be found in the drop-down list provided.

To leave a memory for the family or to read more, visit the obituary website.