Obituary

Louis “Lou” Perna Sr., 92, of Harmony Township, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday evening, February 16, 2016, in Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley, Beaver. Mr. Perna was born October 2, 1923, in Ambridge, PA, to Anthony and Concetta Perna. He graduated from Ambridge Area High School in the class of 1941 and served in the U.S. Air Force for five years. On February 8, 1947, Lou married the love of his life, Aria Marie Gatta. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year. Mr. Perna retired from the former H.H. Robinson Steel Fabrication company as a Superintendent with 44 years of service. Lou was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Ambridge #701 and the Ambridge Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was involved with Boy Scout Troop 411 for many years. He was also a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge where he served as an elder, was involved in various clubs, and sang in the church choir for 60 years. He was the president of the Christian Citizens Club. Mr. Perna was an avid sports fan, enjoying athletic matches of all types. He also enjoyed gathering with his family and was known in the area for his Italian sausage recipe, which was enjoyed by many. During his retirement years, he worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers during their spring training camps in Vero Beach, FL, where he and his wife wintered for many years. Lou was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ann Bufalini; sister-in-law, Dorothy “Dolly” Bull, and a brother-in-law, Steve Furis. Mr. Perna is survived by his loving wife, Aria Perna; two sons, Louis Perna Jr. and wife, Priscilla, Buffalo, NY, and Mark Perna and wife Tina, Alliance, OH; a sister-in-law, Rita Furis, and brother-in-law, Joseph Bufalini. He has seven grandchildren: Benjamin Perna (Dawn Klingensmith), Katherine Chapman (Patrick), Matthew Perna (Merissa), Kellie Perna, Anthony Perna (Erin), Christina Perna (fianc?? Thomas Ferritto) and James Perna (Jennifer); and four great-grandchildren: Isabella Chapman, Olivia Perna, Donovan Perna and Madelyn Perna. Friends will be received Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. in the United Presbyterian Church, 823 Maplewood Ave., Ambridge, PA 15003. GABAUER-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Church St., Ambridge, www.gabauermatterfuneralhome.com, is in charge of arrangements.