Joseph Petrone Honored in Londonderry

The Avaiation Museum in Londonderry was overflowing with fond stories and laughter as New Hampshire Republicans came together on Oct. 19 to honor Ambassador Joseph Petrone for a lifetime of service to his nation and to the Republican Party.

Joseph Petrone began his service to country as a member of the 168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard in January 1938. He served as a regular Army officer during a career that spanned three wars, including service in Patton's Army in Europe.

Among many other assignments, he served as an aide to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the White House from 1954-1956, and as Assistant Military Attache at the American Embassy in Paris, France. He retired with the rank of Colonel in 1970. He was a member of the U.S. Delegation to the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 1983 and from 1987 to 1989 he served as U.S. Permanent Representative to the European Office of the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland under President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Ambassador Petrone and his wife were honored with personal speeches from those who have worked closely with them over they years. The remarks were filled with fond recollections of gala events at the Petrones' home in Dublin, N.H., the many campaigns they and grassroots efforts in which they have participated and the deep personal friendships formed through the years. Stories varied from their generous support of New Hampshire candidates to meetings in the local diner to phone calls interrupted by Joseph being on the roof of the house cleaning out the gutters.

Joseph Petrone and his wife, Augusta, are longtime New Hampshire residents who are known for their active engagement in political campaigns and their highly sought-after endorsements. Over the years they have acted as New Hampshire Chairs to presidential campaigns for Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, George W. Bush and Rudy Guliani. They have also chaired campaign efforts for New Hampshire candidates, such as Nashua resident Jennifer Horn's two Congressional campaigns.

A variety of longtime activists, party leaders and elected officials spoke at the event, including Congressmen Charlie Bass and Frank Guinta, National Committewoman Juliana Bergeron, Party Chairman Wayne MacDonald and former Congressional nominee Jennifer Horn. Derry Republican Jim Foley served as emcee.