Richard R. Perilli of Natick and Colchester, VT, died peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Metrowest Medical Center of Natick. He was 84 years old.
Born in Boston on June 11, 1929, he was the son of the late Mary Risoldi of Boston and Vincenzo Perilli of Italy. He graduated from Charlestown High School and joined the United States Navy in June of 1946, serving until April of 1948 aboard the USS Valcour. After his tour, he joined the United States Air Force Reserves, serving until July of 1966. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1954 with a degree in electrical engineering, and later did post graduate study at the University of Pennsylvania.
He began his career at RCA in New Jersey in 1954, and then joined GTE Sylvania in 1960 where he worked for thirty years. After his retirement he was employed by FEMA for over ten years helping with many disasters including 911 and Katrina.
Mr. Perilli enjoyed boating, riding his motorcycle, skiing, swimming, and traveling to Russia. He was very active and built his own home in Vermont.
Richard was the devoted husband of the late Elvira “Vera” (Nanna) Perilli with whom he shared fifty-nine years of marriage. He was the loving father of Mary Beth Perilli & her husband Terry Horan of Jericho, VT, James V. Perilli & his wife Ann Gabriele-Perilli of Cumberland, RI, Barbara Perilli-Palmer & her husband Jerry Palmer of Bolton, Karen Eustis & her husband Ralph of N. Granby, CT, & William A. Perilli of Natick. Cherished grandfather of Heather & Stephen Eustis, Keith & Jonathan Palmer, and John & Mark Perilli. Brother of the late Anthony “Vinnie” Perilli & his late wife Anne of Massachusetts. Brother-in-law of Angela Maietta & her late husband Vincent, Josie Lavilette & her late husband Robert, Carmie Nanna , the late Donald Nanna & his wife Kay, the late Anthony Nanna & his wife Dolly, the late William Nanna, the late Rose Day and her late husband Robert Day, and the late Mary Knapp & her husband Stanley, all of the greater Burlington, Vt area. He is also survived by many nieces & nephews.
Funeral from John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., at Natick Common on Thursday, Oct. 10th at 9:00AM. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St., Natick at 10:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wed. from 4:00-7:00PM. Internment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick with Military Honors.
Those who would like to make a donation in Richard’s memory may do so to St. Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St., Natick, MA 01760 for the adoration Chapel, or to a charity of one’s choice.