Louis graduated from Orchard Park High School, Class of 1957. Following graduation, he served for four years in the US Air Force.
He attended Kettering University (GMI) in Flint, MI, earning a BME degree in mechanical engineering. He completed his MBA in Accounting and a PhD in Accounting and Information Systems from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Louis had a rich and varied career, working as an engineer for General Motors, as a consultant, and as both a university professor and administrator.
He was Dean of the College of Business and Management at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield at 39 yrs old from the late 1980's until the mid 90's. During his career he was an author and valued contributor to the growing area of Forensic Accounting. He also contributed to several textbooks and professional journals.
He held several professional certifications including CPA, CGMA, CMA, CIA, CISA, CFE, CCP, CFM, and PE.
He married Roxanne Freedman-Petro. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Aug 5th.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Frank. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Roxanne Freedman-Petro, his sons Timothy (Patricia) of Rochester Hills MI, Stephen (Gina) of Midland VA, and Andrew (Ramona) of Lincoln NE, along with 16 grandchildren: Kirsten (Brian) Burk, Corey Petro, Allison (Brad) Stefanski, Jeanne Schmidt, Kevin Gardner, Joshua (Danielle) Petro, Luke (Danielle) Petro, Samuel (Mandy) Petro, Levi (HopeEllen) Petro, Julia (Taryk) Talburt, Faith Petro, Stephen Petro Jr., Cameron Petro, Derek Petro, James (Devan) Adkins, Jon (Stephanie) Adkins and 20 great-grandchildren.
Other surviving family include: sisters Nancy Dowry, Mary Ellen Angel, and brother, Joseph Petro, Jr., and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 80 S. Lynn Street, Waterford. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@stbenedictsofwaterfordchur6357/streams. Those who wish to remember Lou in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the ALS Association or National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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