"Dear Sandy, We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We have the best memories of visits with you and Joe through the Taylor clan and their events, especially the 60th birthday celebrations. Good conversations and great caring shown by you and Joe whenever at your home. I have loved watching the video to see Joe's family and the treasured time with your daughters. Your daughters and the comfort of so many wonderful family members and friends we pray will get you through this most difficult time. With our sympathy and love, Ken and Christine Supple"
In loving memory of
Joseph Perna
March 1, 1950 - May 13, 2017
Joseph C. Perna, 67, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Born in Middletown, NY on March 1, 1950, he was the beloved son of Mary and Vincent Perna, Sr., who survive him.
Joe earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Cortland and an MBA from Fordham University. He was employed for 31 years as a Professor of Accounting at UCCC, retiring in 2010. He was the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2006. A patient and caring teacher, he made a lasting impact on his students' lives. Joe enjoyed golfing and restoring his 100 year old house, but mostly spending time with his family. He is remembered as a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle and Pop Pop.
In addition to his parents, Joe is survived by his loving wife Sandra Perna, his beloved daughters Lauren Perna of New York City, Erin (Charles) Mullen of South Carolina, and his beautiful granddaughter Ava Mullen. He is also survived by his loving siblings, Dawn (Ken) Gray, Vince Perna Jr., Kathy (John) Bendlin, and Mary (Don) Wilkins, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, where friends and family may visit on Thursday May 18th from 2pm to 4pm. A service of remembrance will take place at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, 195 Hudson St., Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520.
Tributes
"Sandy, I'm so sorry to hear about Joe's sudden passing. He was a beloved leader in high school and a friendly neighbor on Commonwealth Avenue! I can see from the video how rich your life together has been with family and friends. May your memories be a source of strength as you move forward. With deep sympathy, Joanie Truman Augello"
"Sandy/Mrs. Perna--We were very sorry to learn of the loss of your husband. May the many happy and loving memories shared with him provide you and your daughters with comfort. ~Irene and Alison Granell"
"Joe was one of the most highly regarded professors to ever teach at SUNY Ulster. Below are some of the comments from his colleagues when they heard of his passing. "I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Perna. I thought of Joe as a mentor as well as one of the finest and most caring professors I ever had. He inspired me to get my MBA and begin teaching at SUNY Ulster. He truly cared about every one of his students and encouraged them to strive to do the best that they were capable of achieving. He was definitely a "company man" and stood for everything good about SUNY Ulster. I am proud to have been one of his students and to have the position he vacated when he retired. SUNY Ulster is a better place because of Joe Perna. I will miss him with all my heart. " "Joe Perna was a lovely man. So easy to work with. A fine professor and a man with integrity. I really admired him." "Joe set the bar very high. We should all strive to reach his high standards." "I remember Joe with great fondness, admiration and respect. He was a true professional, but also a true gentleman." "
"My condolences to Sandy and her family on the death of her husband. Joe Canino."
"Sandy, Erin & Lauren........We are so sorry for your loss. We couldn't believe it. He was such a energetic and wonderful person. He will be missed by many friends. Love you all, Elizabeth & Taylor"
"Thoughts and prayers for one of our neighbor and friend grown up in Middletown. Again thoughts and prayers. Doug, Harli & David Weber"
"To the Perna family, Words cannot express the sympathy in losing a love one. My deepest condolences to the family. I will always have fond memories of Joe growing up on Knapp ave. In Middletown. May God comfort you all in your time. Robin Weber gillette"
"Sending our love to Sandy, Lauren, Erin & family. We're shocked to hear of Joe's passing and are keeping you all in our prayers. Our families shared such good times together and we will keep you all close to heart. In peace & love, Mike & Linda Palladino"
"My love and sympathy go out to the entire Perna family. I will always remember Joe at family gatherings many times quiet, listening to whatever was going on but always with that familiar grin on his face like he knew something the rest of us did not! Such a sweet soul....now in God's arms. Keeping you all in my prayers."
"So sorry to hear this. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Mick and Rene Mead "
"My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all members of the Perna family. We were longtime Middletown neighbors, as our family grew up across the street, our families knew each other well. I was so very saddened to read this news. Remember, it is never a goodbye..It is until you meet again.. With love, Karen Hughes "
"We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family and friends (Proverbs 17:17). For additonal strength, may you find it in God who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Please accept our deepest condolences. "
"Joe was one of the best human beings I ever had the pleasure and honor of knowing. He was an excellent Instructor, Advisor, and Mentor to hundreds of students during his career at SUNY Ulster. He was an amazing colleague who always went above and beyond for the betterment of his students and his colleagues. I am so deeply saddened by the news of his passing. May God keep Joe in his eternal care and may his family find comfort in the memories made over the years. Joe was truly a gem. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
"To The Perna Family, Joe was a long time friend from the old neighborhood. He will be sadly missed. My condolences. Bruce Smith "
"I just saw Joe at the gym not long ago... cant believe this we always talked boxing in the halls of SUNY Ulster where he was a super instructor... admired & respected by all of his colleagues, now missed terribly..my deepest condolences to Joe's family Bob Johnson"