Paul Perrone

Paul Perrone was born in Gaeta, Province of Latina, Italy, on January 27, 1925. He was son of the late Vincenzo and Francesca (Miele) Perrone.

Paul passed away peacefully at his home in Stoneham on Sunday, March 14, 2021. He was 96.

Paul always said that two of the best things he did were moving to the United States of America and marrying the love of his life, Rose Casella. Paul's dream of a better, more prosperous life began when he, along with his mother, brother, and sisters boarded the S.S. Roma and immigrated to the United States in May of 1937 when he was twelve years old. Raised and educated in Somerville, Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII, was naturalized, and fought proudly for his adopted country earning a purple heart. He spoke of his experience in the Army seldomly and with difficulty, but when he did he always made sure to express the greatest lesson he learned: "War is evil."

Upon return from his deployment, Paul attended a dance at Uptown on Huntington Avenue in Boston, where he spotted Rose across the room and immediately knew that she was the one for him. In Paul's words: "She fit perfectly in my arms." The rest is history. They married on November 29, 1947 and enjoyed a long, very happy marriage.

Paul worked for many years at First National Stores in Somerville and later as a custodian for the Watertown Public School System, retiring in 1987. Rose and Paul made Watertown their home for many years before moving to Stoneham. After his retirement, Paul and Rose split their time between Watertown and Stuart, Florida.

Family was the center of Paul's world throughout his 96 years. He was the adored "Grandpa" or "Grandpa Wowee" to ten grandchildren, and later to his many great-grandchildren. Paul loved the ocean and his vacations to Wareham each year. He meticulously kept bountiful gardens. He had a wonderful life.

In addition to his wife of 73 years, Rose, he leaves their children: Gloria M. Doherty (Donald) of Burlington; Vincent J. Perrone (late Cheryl) of Bainbridge Island, Washington; Paula J. Caruso (Anthony) of Plymouth; and Paul Perrone, Jr. (Betty) of Westford. He was the beloved grandfather of Karen Giles (Kevin), Kerry Valle (Shawn), Kevin Doherty (Keri), Andrew Perrone (Alicia Van Aken), Claire Perrone (Nathan Hillman), Andrea Holmes (late Ryan), John Caruso (Amanda), Paul M. Perrone, Katherine Perrone and Emily Perrone; the great-grandfather of Kelli, Tommy, Emma, Aidan, Owen, Olivia, Kaiden, Konnor, Caleb, Ava, Aiden, Benjamin and Brendan; the brother of Elizabeth Gentile (Arthur) of Woburn and the late Mary Accetta, Theresa Accetta and Frank Perrone; and brother-in-law of Lucy Casella of Watertown. He is also survived by many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Paul's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, March 18th from 4 to 7 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 1 p.m. at Saint Patrick's Church, 212 Main Street, Watertown. Burial is private.

To view Paul's Funeral Mass please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/paul-perrone at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 19th.

Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans | State House, Room 546, Boston, MA 02133 www.davma.org/donate-now.

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A note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love and support, give them a virtual hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance.

Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.