Thursday, June 11, 2009

Petrullo's Life Remembered

By Rosalie Rayburn
Journal Staff Writer
       Rio Rancho residents, city staffers and a host of elected officials this week celebrated the life of one of the city's most outspoken visionaries.
    The Delma Petrullo they recalled was a spirited woman brimming with creative energy, compassion and tenacity who was not afraid of telling it like it is.
    "She was never shy about making rather bold, and sometimes even outrageous, statements," City Manager James Jimenez said. "What a unique personality."
    Petrullo, 60, died June 3. She was deputy mayor, city councilor and founder of the Rio Rancho Art Association. About 250 people attended the memorial service held Monday in the Performing Arts Center at Rio Rancho High School.
    Those who spoke said that as an artist, neighborhood activist and city councilor, she blended a sense of what was right for the common good with the ability to make people work together.
    Engaging, tenacious, generous and hardworking were a few of the words Rev. Jerome Wade of the Destiny Center used to describe the late councilor. Petrullo was elected in 2006 to represent central Rio Rancho's District 3 seat on the city council.
    "What I really admired and respected her for was her ability to be amazingly blunt, but to do it in a way that always seemed to end in a smile," Jimenez said.
    While she expected high standards from city employees, Petrullo showed her compassionate side by bringing soup to sick staffers, he said.
    As a councilor, she championed efforts to beautify the city. Thanks to Petrullo, he said, public art will be part of the city center envisioned in a recently completed master plan.
    The vivacity and energy Petrullo displayed in Rio Rancho were traits she showed even as a youngster. Petrullo's brother Herman Karl said that growing up in their native Queens, N.Y., his sister was always outgoing and strong willed. But her move to New Mexico in 1997 brought out a new burst of artistic creativity.
    "My sister was reborn when she moved to Rio Rancho," Karl said.
    Friend and confidante Debbi Moore said Petrullo frequently mentioned how her love for New Mexico had given her new energy and confidence.
    Outside her work on the council, Moore said, Petrullo worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in the city. One of her latest achievements was helping to launch the Rio Rancho Community Foundation, an organization that distributes grants to local nonprofits.
    Moore said Petrullo was anxious to continue her work for the city and her community even as her health declined.
    "I cannot imagine why the universe needs my presence so quickly when I have so much to do," Petrullo wrote in a note to Moore shortly before her death.
    Petrullo was diagnosed with cancer in February 2008. Despite radiation, chemotherapy and major surgery, Petrullo continued to attend city council meetings almost without a break until this spring.

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