Korean War veteran was active as Mason, Shriner and umpire
Published in the April 26, 2018 edition
WILMINGTON — Cesino B. “Chet” Perella, 86, of Wilmington, formerly of Jeffersonville, Ind. and North Reading, died at his home on April 17, 2018. He was the beloved husband of the late Jeana “Charlene” (Doan) Perella, who died this past September.
Born in Boston, on May 21, 1931, he was the son of the late Ludovico and Alsa (Gerosina) Perella. He was raised in Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School. Chet was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was an Airman First Class and served from 1950 to 1954.
Chet was a chef and caterer for many years. He owned and operated Perella’s Cold Cut Center and Perella’s Catering. He also worked for Lombardo’s, Shriners Hospital for Children, Houghton Mifflin and Wang. He was a member of the North Reading Masonic Lodge and a Life member of the Lawrence United Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Shriners and the North Reading Moose Lodge.
Chet was a fun-loving person who loved to travel with family and friends. He volunteered extensively for the Shriners and Mason organizations. He loved college football, cooking and volunteering many hours umpiring for the North Reading Men’s Softball League and the North Reading Little League.
Family members include his loving children, Pamela Lewis and her husband Jerry, Louie Perella and his wife Doreen, James Perella and his wife Kathy, and Sherri White and her husband Steven; brother, Ludovico Perella and his wife Mary, and sister, Gina Vozzella; brother-in-law, James Doan and his wife Elaine; six grandchildren, Kurt Jones and his wife Breanne, Eric Jones, Jenelle Braga and her husband Brian, Lou E. Perella and his wife Laura, Kyle White and Ethan White; six great-grandchildren, Nate, Preston, Norah, Riley, Kailey and Lucy.
His funeral was held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Monday, April 23. Calling hours were held on Sunday, April 22. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. www.CroswellFuneralHome.com.
