Obituary of Alvin Perella

Alvin A. Perella, Sr. "Al" On June 24, 2015, our dear father died peacefully in Dallas, Texas. Born on July 5, 1927 to parents John and Margaret (nee Dolsi), Alvin was a long time resident of Joliet before moving to Dallas, TX in 2007. Al lived life to the fullest and embraced everything he loved - his country, heritage, town and children. He was proud to serve his country during World War II and enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was only seventeen. He was honorably discharged as Seaman Second Class aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard and awarded the Victory, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign and American Area Campaign medals. He was the very definition of a man's man with a personality larger than life and swagger like no other. Although everyone was drawn by his charisma and of course the AP factor, Al only showed his soft center to those who knew him best. He married Barbara Newkirk in 1956 and was father to their four children who credit him daily for their self-confidence and teaching them to be fearless in all aspects of life. Retired co-owner of Perella & Company Plumbing and Heating Contractors currently owned and operated by his nephew, Jack Perella. Al was a Life member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #422 (now 597) and served on the Apprentice Board for Local 422. He was also a member of Ingalls Park Athletic Club. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret; and brothers, Jack (U.S. Army Air Corp, killed in action over Germany in WWII) and twin, Melvin. He was proud father and grandfather to son, Vin (Pam) of Dallas, TX, daughter, Lisa Kulp (Robert) of Dallas, TX, daughter, Lori Krebs (Robert) of Chicago and son, Frank (Mikael) of Dallas, TX; six grandchildren, Lauren, Jacquelyn, Brandon, Kathryn, Shelby and Cody; sisters-in-law, Pat Perella of Joliet, IL and Gloria Rentschler of Dallas, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. We are also forever grateful for Mauro Silva, Alvin's caregiver who treated our Dad with the love and dignity as if he was caring for his own father. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Alzheimer's Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) would be appreciated. Funeral Services and Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery will be held privately. Arrangements by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home.