Daniel James "Pete" Petroski

Daniel James “Pete” Petroski, , 82, passed away Monday, November 10, 2014 after a brief illness. Born in Bryan, TX, son of Frank and Sophie (Lero) Petroski, he was a retired HPD Sergeant and longtime resident of Spring Branch. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Alexander); daughter Susan and son-in law John Poulos; daughter-in law Jennifer Petroski, and grandchildren Katherine Petroski, Lauren Petroski, Michael Batsche, and Danielle Petroski. He is predeceased by his son, Daniel James “Pete’ Petroski, Jr. He is also survived by sisters Delores Cox, Patsy Van Winkle, Margaret McAughan and brother Frank Petroski, their spouses, and numerous nephews and nieces, and pre-deceased by his sister Dorothy Myers and brother James Petroski.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, volunteering at age 17 and seeing combat as a Corporal in the 187th Airborne Division during the Korean War.. After the war, Pete attended the University of Houston, graduating with a degree in Engineering. Following graduation, he entered Police Academy Class #19 in September 1958 and, upon completion, joined the Houston Police Department. Over his 29 year career with HPD, he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He retired in February, 1988.

While he was a police office, he began making leather police specialty items. This hobby blossomed into a 2nd career as he provided leather ID Folders, Badge Holders, and other law enforcement items, supplying local Police Supply Outlets and custom orders. If you wanted it in leather, he could make it. Pete’s Leather Goods was a frequent hang-out for Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers.

An ardent sports fan, he particularly loved following the Astros and Texans. He also enjoyed growing vegetables and tending his pecan trees.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Houston Police Retired Officers Association (HPROA)

Funeral services were held in the chapel of Waltrip Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055 on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.

A private interment will be held at the Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to HPROA Family Assistance Committee, PO Box 2288, Houston, TX 77252-2288.