The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has announced that Sam Petrucci, passed away last week. Mr. Petrucci was the original artist/designer for much of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe work, including the original logo. The OG13 family extends its wishes and prayers to him, and those close to him, during this difficult time.

From the Laconia Daily Sun…

“Published Date Wednesday, 02 October 2013 06:41

GILFORD — Samuel W. Petrucci, 86, resident of both Gilford NH and Fort Pierce FL, died unexpectedly Friday, September 27, 2013, in Scranton PA, from natural causes.

Born on December 22, 1926, Sam grew up in Medford MA. He lived a long and colorful life, regaling his friends and family with his many claims to fame. At age 16, he joined the Navy and was a radio operator on the USS Willard Keith. After the war, Sam studied art at Vesper George and went on to become a successful commercial illustrator, package designer and airbrush artist. Sam’s career spanned six decades.

One of his earliest clients was the Hassenfeld Brothers Toy Company, for whom he designed the original logo and boxes for Hasbro’s GI Joe line of toys. In recent years, he took great pleasure in being a special guest at GI Joe conventions where he signed autographs and met his many fans. Later, Sam was employed by the prestigious Gunn Associates in Boston where he designed packaging and logos for many well known companies and products..

Sam was a voracious reader and enjoyed golfing with his buddies, fishing with his grandchildren, nature photography, alligator hunting, and painting wildlife and landscapes in oils. Sam designed the family home at Lake Shore Park on Lake Winnepesaukee and was admired for his countless talents. As he often pointed out to everybody, Sam was “The Best” at anything he chose to do.

Sam was married to his beloved Leona Petrucci (who passed away in 2008) and is survived by his children, Maureen Beaupre of Fernandina Beach FL, Ken Petrucci of Newburyport MA, Lisa Petrucci of Seattle WA, Linda Petrucci of New York NY, and Steven Petrucci of Peabody MA, as well as their spouses and numerous grand and great grandchildren.

A memorial service to honor Sam will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be left in his name to The Manatee Observation and Education Center, 480 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce FL 34950, www.manateecenter.com/index.php/support”