Walter “Wally” O. Petroll, age 96 of Wilmington, DE, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Country House.
Wally was born and raised in Wilmington, DE and was the son of the late Anna (Ogle) and Fritz Petroll. He graduated from Alexis I. Dupont High School. After high school, Wally joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving in Korea and receiving a Purple Heart. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Delaware, where he received a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 1958 and a Master of Science degree in 1960. During this time, he was also awarded the first graduate assistantship funded by the Longwood Foundation. Wally enjoyed a career as Head of the Gardens Division at Winterthur for over 25 years. He then started his own landscaping design company, and continued to work well into his 80’s.
While not working, Wally enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether in the yard gardening, relaxing at the beach or participating in family sports competitions. He also enjoyed going to the track and watching Duke basketball. His greatest love was being with his family.
Walter’s beloved wife of 70 years, Barbara A. (Buckley) Petroll passed away in 2024. He is survived by his two children Amy O’Malley (Brian) and Walter “Matt” Petroll (Lisa), five grandchildren Katie, Brendan, Jared, Jackson, and Jett; and four great-grandchildren, Evie, Declan, Addison and Amelia. In addition to his parents, Wally was preceded in death by his siblings, William Frederick Petroll, Ann P. Crowe-Gosner, Elsie Petroll Johnson, Margaret “Peg” Petroll Belt, Bertha Petroll Bowman and Peter E. A. Petroll, Jr.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, April 9 at 2 pm at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Rd., Wilmington, DE 19807. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Wally’s name to Wounded Warrior Project or K9s for Warriors.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
