Arthur Petrikas

Arthur Charles Petrikas Jr., affectionately known throughout his life as Jeff, Papa, Artie, and Dad, passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2026, at Albany Medical Center, with his beloved wife by his side, following a stroke. He was 73 years old.

Arthur was born in Amityville, Long Island, New York, on December 30th, 1952, to Arthur Charles Petrikas Sr. and Jacquelyn Petrikas. His story began with a little family mystery that he carried with him throughout his life. He was baptized Jeffery Arthur Petrikas and grew up being called Jeffery. It wasn’t until he went to obtain his drivers license and had to present his birth certificate that he discovered his legal first name was Arthur.

At the same time, he learned that his actual birthday was December 30th, not December 29th, the date his family had celebrated since he turned 1. Somehow, this seemed perfectly fitting for Jeff: even his name and birthday had a story.

From an early age, Jeff was known for his strong will and independent spirit. As a four-year-old, after becoming upset with his mother, he announced he was running away. His mother gave him a small suitcase, which he promptly filled with his favorite toys before marching up the street. The family watched as he made his way along until he eventually turned around and came home.

His reason for returning was simple; he was hungry and didn’t have any food. That stubborn streak, determination, and ability to make everyone laugh would remain part of who he was throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jeff enjoyed playing stickball and baseball. At 13, he began working at a Chinese restaurant, where he packed takeout orders and ran them to the front of the store.

One of Jeff’s greatest loves as a young man was surfing at Oak Beach. He carried that same adventurous spirit with him throughout his life, always ready to go somewhere, try something, fix something, or simply see what might happen next.

After graduating from Massapequa High School, Jeff moved with his family to Fort Ann, New York. There, he worked alongside his father clearing land, building their home, and helping establish Fort Ann Campgrounds.

His willingness to work hard and his ability to figure things out with his own two hands became a big part of who he was. Jeff made lifelong friends in Fort Ann, and those friendships eventually led him to meeting the love of his life.

On July 23rd, 1994, Jeff married the love of his life, Kathleen. Kathleen’s brother Tommy was in a car accident, and Jeff and Tommy were best friends. One day, when Kathleen was at the hospital with her brother, Jeff came to see Tommy and he and Kathleen clicked in an instant.

They were the right people for each other. They loved each other very, very much. Kathleen was always Jeff’s person, and they were always there for each other. Jeff and Kathy were a true love story.

Jeff was a man who could do a little bit of everything. He was the family handyman, the guy people called when something needed fixing, and the person who was almost always willing to lend a hand.

He was an “up for everything” kind of guy who loved an adventure and rarely needed much convincing to join in.

Jeff also loved his motorcycle. Riding was his place to unwind, especially the trips he took with Kathy through the mountains. Those rides gave them time together, beautiful scenery, and a chance for Jeff to simply get away and enjoy the road.

But perhaps his greatest gift was simply being there for people. Jeff was a superb listener and could turn an ordinary conversation into one of his famous gab sessions. He had a way of making people feel heard, welcomed, and comfortable. He brought humor and fun into the lives of those around him and created countless stories.

To his family, he was so much more than Jeff. He was Papa. He was Dad. He was Artie. He was their wingman.

His family will forever treasure the countless laughs, adventures, stories, projects, conversations, and ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because Jeff was there. He was one of those rare people who made life more fun just by being in it.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Charles Petrikas Sr. and Jacquelyn Petrikas, and his siblings Jon Petrikas and Dianne Kaan.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathleen, and his children, Kasey (Dan) Melucci, Kylie (Zach) Suite, Alison (OC) West, and Michael McMore. He is also survived by his siblings Linda (Pat) Barber, Jackie (Mark) Honeyman, Robbin Havens, Garth Petrikas, and George (Jackie) Petrikas. He has also survived his beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He shared a particularly special bond with his niece, Heather (Tyler) Whitney, whose love and presence brought him great joy throughout the years.

Jeff was a proud Papa to his grandchildren Damon, Callon, Kameron, Hunter, Tehren, Declan, Adriana, and Saylor. He loved being a grandfather and treasured the time he spent with each of them.

While his family is heartbroken by his passing and wishes they could have more time with him, they are deeply grateful for the years, memories, and love they were fortunate enough to share.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, Glens Falls Hospital, and Albany Medical Center for the extraordinary care, compassion, and support they provided to Jeff and his family during his final two weeks. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

Jeff leaves behind a family and community who loved him dearly and whose lives are forever changed by his absence. His stories will be told, his advice will be remembered, his projects will undoubtedly continue to need fixing, and his laughter will live on in the memories of everyone who knew him.

Arrangements are under the care of Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 80 Main Street, Greenwich, NY 12834. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8th, at St. Mary’s Church, 62 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Bogey’s at Bay Meadows Golf, 31 Cronin Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jeff’s memory to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, PO Box 237, Fort Ann, NY 12827.

Until we meet again, Papa.

Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com