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A memorial service was held on April 2 at Union Church in Vinalhaven, Me., for retired Professor of History Carol M. Petillo, who died on March 26. She was 74.
Dr. Petillo’s teaching and research interests focused on American foreign policy and military history. She taught a popular course on the Vietnam War that included classroom visits by veterans. Her publications included Douglas MacArthur: The Philippine Years, which examined the legendary general’s experiences in the Philippines prior to the beginning of World War II; the book was among the sources used for the film “MacArthur” shown on the PBS “American Experience” series.
A native of Mannington, WV, Dr. Petillo earned her undergraduate degree at Montclair State College and her graduate degrees at Rutgers University. She joined the BC faculty in 1979 and retired in 2002.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Cooper; children John Joseph Petillo II, Christopher David Petillo, Anna Maria Petillo and Joseph Ralph Petillo; and six grandchildren.
Gifts in her memory may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, PO Box 1294, Rockland, Me. 04841, or to the Islands Community Medical Services, PO Box 812, Vinalhaven, Me. 04863.