Donald Perfetti Obituary

Donald Perfetti passed away at his home in Palm Desert on January 4, 2010 after a mercifully short battle with cancer. He was 75. Donald was born to Clement and Anna Perfetti in West Rutland, Vt. He joined the U.S. Navy in his youth and served as a flight crew member on various aircraft. Following his naval career, he worked in real estate. He was a past President of the California Desert Association of Realtors, and was the owner/teacher of what would become Desert Cities Real Estate School. Don often joked that he was responsible for a good percentage of all real estate agents in the Coachella Valley. After selling the school and "retiring" in 2006, he and his wife Barbara enjoyed traveling, seeing the world, and spending time at their second home in Rosarita Beach, Mexico. He is survived by his wife Barbara of Palm Desert; his step-sons, Richard and Russell Van Oosting; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Paul Perfetti of Palm Desert, and Bob Perfetti of John's Creek, Ga., and sister Claire Mullen of Rutland, Vt. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Richard Perfetti. Per his request, a memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Desert, Calif. on January 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests mourners to please make a donation to "Catholic Charities", or a charity of your choice.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Jan. 12 to Jan. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Perfetti

11 Entries

Eleanore & Joe Lefrancois

January 21, 2010

Claire & family

We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.

Margaret Lottman

January 20, 2010

To the Perfetti family; We wanted to express our sincere sympathy, and offer our condolences and prayers for all your family in this time of grief. Don was a high school friend of everyone, a gentle person, a happy guy, and a perfect gentleman.
My husband met Don at one of our class re-unions a number of years ago, and they hit it off right from the start. Both with military experiences to chat about. We'll both miss Don, it hurts to see a friend leave us, but we'll pray for Don and his family that the Good Lord will watch over you and ease your sorrow and pain. I loved MSJ and all it stood for, and I believe Don had passed all of the teachings we were taught to his friends in Calif. He'll be terribly missed by all.
May God Bless all of his family., and cherish the many memories and happy times that only Don could bring.
Again; we're sorry of Dons departure
AN old MSJ Classmate of 52. Long ago, but not forgotten

Margaret (Pudgie) Combatti Lottman
Beatrice, Nebraska 68310

JIM LA FRANCOIS

January 19, 2010

TO THE PERFETTI FAMILY

PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF MY FRIEND DON. I HAVE GOOD MEMORIES OF HIM IN HIGH SCHOOL AND WORKING AT THE FIRST NATIONAL ON STATE ST.

Dianne Yeakel

January 13, 2010

As a student of his real estate school, he painted very vibrant pictures of situations that I will carry on with me for the rest of my career. He was one of the best and will be thoughtfully remembered by many.

January 13, 2010

Don was a wonderful man with a great smile and infectious laugh. Thanks to his diligent efforts and valuable training I received my real estate license in 1987. I'll never forget his vibrant wardrobe as well.

He played a vital role in real estate in the desert and will never be forgotten. After his retirement, he would introduce himself as "Don Perfetti, RETIRED". He truly is retired now, and may he rest in peace.

To his family, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Sue McCollum
2008 President
California Desert Association of REALTORS®

January 13, 2010

Thank you for my real estate career and 20 years of friendship.
Wray Pomeroy

Tina Bates

January 12, 2010

I have known Don and Barbara for many years and my thoughts and prayers are with you Barbara. I will miss the laughs we shared when when we got together at Realtor functions.

January 12, 2010

We happily remember the youthful days on Kendall Avenue in Rutland. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and the rest of the family at this difficult time.

Pooch & Bert
Bill & Claire
Sister Judy Levins

Patty Perfetti and family

January 12, 2010

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Donald: Don had come to Minnesota for my sister's wedding and my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. The anniversary dinner was held at the Lexington, a classic supper club in St. Paul, with flatware bearing the reataurant's name. I told Uncle Don that I liked the spoons. Later, after leaving the "Lex," Uncle Don pulled me aside--and like a street peddler hawking stolen watches--opened his jacket, pulled a soup spoon from an inside pocket, and with a big grin and a laugh, handed it to me. I'll miss those smiles and that infectious laughter, Uncle Don. Rest in peace.

Mike Ayers

January 12, 2010

When you graduated from one of Don's RE courses you knew the subject matter and were prepared for any DRE exam.

He had a command of agency and how to be the best agent you could be.

He gave more than he got and ran a tight ship.

January 12, 2010

Uncle Donald you will be missed by many and we hope you are in peace with your family in heaven.

Love,

Mike, Patty and Gabbie Perfetti
Lakeville, MN

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