Louis A. Petricca held one of the most important jobs in the restaurant his family ran for more than 50 years–chief schmoozer. Mr. Petricca, 87, of Chicago, died Tuesday, Feb. 10, in West Suburban Hospital Medical Center in Oak Park of complications stemming from a fall. From the time his parents opened a tavern at Western and Grand Avenues at the end of Prohibition until he retired as an owner of Petricca’s restaurant, Mr. Petricca was a tireless promoter of his family’s business. On almost any given evening from the 1950s to the 1970s, he could be found buzzing around Petricca’s, greeting new customers, chatting with the regulars and making the restaurant feel like his patrons’ second home. “My father didn’t let any grass grow under his feet,” said his daughter, Gail Langhans-Conigliaro. He booked the lounge entertainment and handled the banquet bookings. But even though he was an avid cook, he left that side of the business to others. In time, Petricca’s restaurant expanded to become a popular banquet hall. A second location was opened on Harlem Avenue in 1955. In 1976, Mr. Petricca sold his interest in the restaurants to his brothers and moved to Florida. Mr. Petricca was preparing for a night of dancing when he sustained the injury that led to his death. Survivors also include two sons, Louis and Anthony; another daughter, Mary Fran; a brother, Tony; a sister, Mary Jo; and 14 grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday in Salerno’s Galewood Chapels, 1857 N. Harlem Ave. Mass will be said 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., Oak Park.
