"Ambassador Petrone is among the people who changed America—first by his very strong support for Ronald Reagan when people thought that was hopeless, and then by his very strong support for us at GOPAC and with the House Republicans, and people thought that was hopeless. So twice he really, dramatically helped change American history." ~ Speaker Newt Gingrich

As a young college student, Joe and Augusta took me for pizza one night in Marshalltown, Iowa. Must have been 1984 or 1985. They called President Reagan "Dutch" not because that's what the press called him, but because that's simply what his close friends called him. I was in awe. I remember the feeling that I was sitting with two people who didn't just watch history happen, but made history happen. About two weeks later, I received complimentary subscriptions to the American Spectator and Human Events, compliments of Colonel and Mrs. Joe Petrone. I will always remember them vividly, and fondly, and thankfully. ~ Steve Brown

Short of my own husband and father, Joseph was the most honorable and noble man I have ever known. He lived a life of extraordinary service to his nation, the deepest dedication to the Republican party, and offered the strongest guidance and support to his family and friends. Above all else, however, was his tender, sweet, unending love and adoration for his beloved wife, Augusta. Theirs was a love unlike any other, worthy of retelling in novels and sonnets. I will forever treasure his friendship, advice and insights, and will remember fondly the sight of Joseph and Augusta sitting together on their back porch, holding hands, and enjoying the beautiful views of Knollwood Farm in Dublin, NH. God bless you, Joseph. Everyone who knew you, loved you, and will miss you deeply. ~ Jennifer Horn

Our condolences to the Petrone family of New Hampshire with the passing of Amb. Joseph Petrone. He and his beloved wife Augusta set the bar for outstanding support of fiscally conservative women leaders. Maggie's List is forever grateful for the hospitality of the Petrone's for hosting us at their stunning home in New Hampshire. Amb. Petrone was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Augusta and the Petrone family. ~ Jan Face Glassman, NH Chairman, Maggie's List

I was so sorry to learn a short time ago about Joseph's passing. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. I will miss the times that I had the opportunity to sit and talk with Joseph about his time in the military, in Washington, and in Switzerland. He and Augusta are THE model for a marriage in Utopia. ~ Alan Glassman

Literally the nicest people on the Earth! America lost one of the greats! Met the Ambassador and Augusta in the first re-elect headquarter of Bush Quayle in Keene, NH in 1992. Their interest in this brash go-getter have me faith that angels roam this planet in cloak of people. The Petrones were angels among men and women and we could all take a lesson of their kindness and humanity. RIP ~ Roger Wilkins

This makes me so sad. I have many wonderful memories of this man and his precious wife. My favorite was before a Lilac Luncheon when I was arranging lilacs in canning jars for the tables, he sat with me and told me about his mother and hot summer days and the smell of strawberry jam being canned. He will be missed. ~ Christine Peters

Very sad to hear of the passing of Ambassador Joe Petrone. He was a great man who was always there to help fellow Republicans. He will be missed by all that knew him. Prayers for Augusta his lovely wife and their whole family. 
~ Michael Biundo

He was a great soldier, a great ambassador, a great Republican, and most important for me, the greatest of friends. Through thick and thin. We have lost one half of our best duo team of Republican activists this state has ever had.
 ~ Steve Duprey

Very sad day. Ambassador Petrone was a great man, an American hero and a proud Granite Stater who will be missed greatly. Prayers for his equally amazing wife, Augusta and the Petrone family. ~ D.J. Bettencourt

So sorry to learn about the death of Ambassador Petrone. I had the pleasure of knowing this great American and want to extend my deepest condolences to the love of his life, his wife Augusta. He was a wonderful man and will truly be missed by all. ~ Sharon Carson

A great man ~ Melissa Howes

Two of the very nicest people in politics. ~ Harriet E. Cady

Sad to hear of the passing of the amazing Ambassador Joe Petrone. He will be missed and no man can ever replace his commitment to our party and country. ~ BJ Perry

Augusta, I am so sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful man. You are in my prayers and if I can do anything to help you, please let me know. ~ Nancy Elliott

I am saddened to hear of the Ambassadors passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. ~ Pamela Skinner

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a true gentleman and a dear friend. To his family, we pray for you at this time.
~ Doug and Brenda

A wonderful person and a great friend to everyone!
~ Cliff Hurst

Classy guy. Classy couple. ~ Jack Heath

A great picture, of a great couple. I will always remember them, smiling and happy, together. ~ Jim Coburn

Rest in peace, Ambassador, and thank you for your service to us all. ~ Scott Spradling

They lived in Marshalltown, Iowa at one time and she was part of Dutchess Dollies (Ronald Reagan) Wonderdul people!! ~ Steve Scheffler

I am so sorry to learn. Such a great man. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with Augusta and their families.
~ Sheila M. Ross

We were so very sad to hear of our dear friend and neighbor's passing. Forrest said, "I miss Joe!" We were blessed by knowing them! ~ June Cook

Thank you for sharing the news. Amb. and Mrs. Petrone are lovely people to all! ~ Wendy Stanley Jones