Pepperdine Mourns the Loss of Dr. Fred Petro

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School mourns the loss of Dr. Fred Petro, Professor of Accounting, who recently passed away. A beloved educator, mentor, and friend, Dr. Petro dedicated more than 45 years to shaping the minds and futures of Pepperdine students.

Before joining the Graziadio faculty, Dr. Petro served as a cost analyst for Gulf Oil Corporation and was a partner in the consulting firm P. L. Petro and Associates. Throughout his academic career, he was an active contributor to the profession—presenting at national seminars and serving as director of manuscripts for the National Association of Accountants. He was also a proud member of several professional associations, including the American Accounting Association and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants.

At Pepperdine, Dr. Petro was widely known for his passion for teaching, his engaging presence in the classroom, and his ability to bring accounting to life. He earned numerous accolades for his teaching, and his impact on students stretched far beyond textbooks and lectures.

“I stand today on the shore of a sea of happy memories of those things my close, personal friend, Dr. Fred Petro, said and did. It can be comforting to bathe in its soothing waters. Fred Petro was both competent in and dedicated to accounting education. He was the best classroom performer I had the pleasure of knowing. He told me about a week before his death that he missed the classroom and his students.  Once as the keynote speaker at a professional conference in Miami Fl, he wowed the audience with his presentation of the evolution of teaching methodologies. It took his listeners “from the chalk to the chip”. He received a standing ovation. His knowledge of accounting and teaching style gained him a remarkable level of respect from his students. Even “back row” students sang his praises. I shall miss his sense of humor and our many fun times together. Benjamin Franklin said a true friend is the world’s greatest possession. Today my heart feels an aching void from the loss of a true friend. The pen is heavy in my hand.  May God bless the memory of Dr. Fred Petro.“
— Dr. Farrell Gean, Professor Emeritus, Seaver College

"Fred played a foundational role in building our accounting department. His unwavering dedication over 50 years is nothing short of extraordinary. He touched the lives of so many, and he will be deeply and dearly missed."
– Dr. Robert Lee, Associate Professor of Accounting, Graziadio Business School

Dr. Petro's legacy at Pepperdine is profound and lasting. He will be remembered not only as a respected scholar and educator but also as a joyful, generous, and deeply devoted member of our community.

For those who wish to send condolences to Dr. Petro’s family, cards or letters may be directed to the dean’s office at 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263.

We extend our heartfelt prayers and sympathies to his family, friends, and former students. He will be greatly missed.