Joseph R. Petrella Jr, 71, of Basking Ridge passed away on February 7th, 2011. He was born in Bayonne, NJ and resided in Rutherford before settling in Basking Ridge. Joseph served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger in Berlin, Germany from 1962 - 1964. Joseph graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and then went on to receive his Masters in History from New York University. He worked as an 8th grade Social studies teacher in the Parsippany Troy-Hills School System for 29 years, retiring in 1999. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Audrey, his daughter Laura J. Riley of Basking Ridge, three grandchildren Joseph N. Petrella, Robert S. Riley, & Jaidyn A. Riley. He is also survived by his brother Frederick K. Petrella of Frenchtown, NJ and several nieces and grand-nephews. A liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday February 11th at 11 AM at the Church of St. James, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. Relatives and Friends may visit on Thursday February 10th from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. In lieu of flowers contributions in Joseph's name can be made to the American Cancer Society, 600 First Union Ave, Raritan, NJ 08869 or American Diabetes Assn. Centerpoint II, Suite 103, 1160 Routes 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. No flowers will be accepted. For further information please contact Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250 or to light a candle and leave a message to the family, visit gcfuneralhome.com