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John Perialas Obituary
ITHACA - John A. Perialas "Big John", 77, of 123 Troy Rd., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, following a long illness. He was born in Ithaca on July 6, 1931, son of the late Alexander and Georgia Perialas.
John was a longtime Ithaca businessman and a pioneer in the music industry and the regional music scene. John started a music booking and management company in the late 1950's and toured the country with many name performers. He was a member and Past Commodore of the Ithaca Yacht Club and was an avid boater and fisherman.
John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Doris Eframson Perialas; his children, Valerie (Jenny Crabtree) Perialas and Alexander (Kristina) Perialas, all of Ithaca; his grandchildren, Melissa Monique (Spencer Schaffner) Littlefield of Urbana, Illinois, and Jonathan-Tyler Pete (Mary O'Donoghue) Littlefield of New York; and his great-grandson, Isaac Alexander Sosnoff. He is also survived by his brother, Metropolitan Epiphanios (Constantine) Perialas; his brother-in-law, Gus (Paulette) Eframson; and several nieces and nephews.
John's family is very grateful for his caregivers and would like to send a special thanks to Pat McComb.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, October 31, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bangs Funeral Home, where Trisagion Services will be held at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Perialas
Krissy Perialas
November 20, 2008
It was an honor to have had his love.
Jenny Crabtree
November 15, 2008
Pop, I thought I walked this road without a father. Then, someone put his hand on my arm to quiet me; someone raised his eyebrows to challenge me (for a million dollar bet I lost); someone had a twinkle in his eyes to comfort me. That someone, that greatest man I ever knew, was you. Thank you, Pop. Thank you for accepting me; thank you for loving me; thank you for guiding me; thank you for trusting me. I love you, always have, always will. Save a seat for me in your lineup -- I still have much Greek to learn, and many pool shots to make! I love you, Pop.
William Massi
November 11, 2008
JOHN PERIALAS 1931 - 2008
"I am sad today to find that Big John Perialas, father of producer and friend Alex Perialas passed away Tuesday due to complications from a long illness. It should be known that Big John was a man who I not only admired but respected as much as my own father. His kindness, hearty laughter and love of life and family was his true achievement in life. His wisdom was cherished and his friendship was honored. He was more than an amazing man, he was a mans man but more importantly he was my friend. Love and God Speed Big John, we will meet again!"
Sincerely,
Billy Milano
Lori Eframson
November 9, 2008
The loss of my uncle, "Big John", the patriarch of our family, leaves a void that will never be filled. I will forever remember his smile, his wonderful sense of humor, his resonating voice, and the love he had for his family. I look forward to the day when I will hear his voice as he greets me again with "Hey, kid".
Dixie (Shaw) Emond
November 9, 2008
Dear Doe, Alex, and Val,
I am another person from the past; a friend of Alex's in HS. I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Some people stand out for their genuine warmth, humor, and kindness; John is one of them. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your family at this sad time.
Valerie Perialas
November 8, 2008
Pop, You may be gone from this earth but I will never forget you. The love I have for you will stay in my heart and soul forever. When I look at the stars in the night sky, I will think of you. When I look into my grandson's eyes I will remember you. May the angels hold and keep you until we meet again. ~Your loving daughter ~Valerie
(great-grampy) John A. Perialas & (great-grandson) Isaac Alexander Sosnoff
November 8, 2008
(mom) Doris Eframson Perialas & (pop) John A. Perialas
November 8, 2008
(grandma) Doris Perialas,(granddaughter) Melissa Littlefield, (great-grandsaon) Zach Sosnoff, (pop) John Perialas
November 8, 2008
(grandson) Jonathan Littlefield, (great-grandson) Zach Sosnoff, (Pop) John Perialas Christman 2007
November 8, 2008
Gus Perialas, Valerie Perialas, (Pop) John Perialas Christmas 2007
November 8, 2008
Jeremy Sarant
November 8, 2008
Dear Doe,
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. As one of the many musicians who worked with John in the 60's, I remember him as a friendly, but demanding, link to the responsible adult world. I recall Mondays when so many of us would meet at the office, and the occasional trip (in the Cadillac) to the City. What I learned from him was that you could keep your sense of fun, while treating your work seriously. My condolences.
Stephen Perialas
November 6, 2008
Dear Doe and Family,
I am truly saddened to learn of John's
death. I remember how eagerly he lived and with what fun-loving passion he faced the world. It's distressing to know that if I
ever make my way again up to New York, he won't be around to bandy words with, political or otherwise. Please know I have the
deepest sympathy for you and the rest of your "Ithaca" family.
Stephanie Vann
November 5, 2008
Oh oh oh... my sweet Val!!! I just heard... and I am so so sad. words can't express it here, but know that I love you, and your whole family, and that our dads will meet and share stories about their creaaaaaazy baby girls.
I will always be here for you.
Chris, too, is deeply saddened. Just know we love you!!!
Nova Sherwood
November 3, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Charles "Cookie" and Marilyn Cook
November 3, 2008
Dear Doe and family,
We were so saddened upon hearing and reading of your loss. We would like express our sympathy and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Debra Carman Smith
November 2, 2008
Doe, Alex and Val,
I am sincerely sad to hear of your loss. John was a man that we all looked up to and respected. He always saw the best in everyone.
My thoughts are with you. God bless.
Melissa Littlefield
November 1, 2008
November 1, 2008
Good morning. Thank you all so much for coming.
Speaking here today, I feel as if I should act as the conduit for all of our memories about John Perialas, that I should be able to speak from some omniscient place that saw the last 77 years of his life, his work, his fears and hopes; that I should conjure images of John Perialas as son, brother, husband, father, friend.
But when I began to write I realized that I can’t possibly be that conduit, nor should I be. As evidenced by all of you here today, John Perialas was well-known and well-loved. He will no doubt be well remembered by each of you, and especially by his wife, Doris; his children, Valerie and Alex; their partners, Jen and Kris; and his brother, Gus.
What I can offer is the perspective of a grandchild who knew John Perialas first, last, and only as “grandpa”—a man who inevitably greeted me with a rousing “grand daughter!” whenever we saw each other. And we saw quite a lot of each other over the past 30 years: we even shared a birthday and, much to my chagrin as a child, we also shared a birthday cake. But grandpa always let me have the first piece and open the first present. He was my older and wiser twin, born one day and 58 years before me.
Not despite, but because of the years between us, my grandfather was the best kind of companion for my brother, Jonathan, and me. He happily played the role of magician, teacher, and playmate even and especially when it meant getting carried away. As a magician, my grandfather could make quarters disappear with the flick of a finger, and on one occasion, when my brother wanted to pick a coconut during his visit to Florida, my grandfather managed to make coconuts appear in the boughs of an orange tree. For my brother, it was pure magic; I was a little older and knew better. I even told my grandfather, with my hands on my hips, that coconuts don’t grow on orange trees. But my grandfather never skipped a beat. He just tilted his head, put a finger to his lips, winked at me, and helped my brother “pick” those coconuts.
In his role as teacher, my grandfather’s patience was infinite. He taught me how to dive, to fish in the ocean, to play tennis. In fact I think he and my grandma secretly harbored dreams of tennis-star success when they set up that net in their driveway and tutored me in the game. Beyond athletics, my grandfather adored math and numbers: word problems, physics, the stock market, anything that had an element of probability—and a little risk. He gave me math problems on chalk boards, he would challenge me with games of logic until I was lost and my head was spinning. It’s really no wonder to me that I turned into a math wiz-kid, even though I preferred reading and writing. And it’s no wonder that every time I compute or tabulate anything in my head, I secretly thank him for the drills.
Don’t let the numbers fool you, though. My grandfather was not all calculation; he could still get carried away, and did whenever my brother and I came over to play for an afternoon, an overnight, or a week. He would leave work early to swim with us in the pool, and he would play video games for hours. When my brother and I brought over our Nintendo game system for one of those week-long stays, grandpa learned how to play Alien Invasion as fast as any kid I knew. And, come Monday morning, we were late getting to school because grandpa was in the midst of winning the game. I’m sure my brother and I weren’t exactly watching the clock either, though, given that we were cheering him on. He was, and will always be one of the best companions my brother and I could have had as children.
And I would like to think that we taught my grandfather a few things as well: like the fact that he should wear his seatbelt in the car, that despite his best coaching, I would never be able to be his stock advisor, and that it’s ok to say I love you.
Four years ago, my grandfather became even greater: he became a great-grandfather to my son, Zach. Grandpa and grandma were there in Pennsylvania the hour that Zach was born, and grandpa even held his great-grandson (with some trepidation, I might add) before Zach could even have his footprints taken. Zach couldn’t be here today, but I know he sends his love to his papu. And I know that papu lives on in Zach, in each of us, and in our favorite memories.
John Perialas was a good man, a great man, but beyond all of those things, he was my grandfather. I loved him, of course, but I also liked him very much. And as my grandmother would say: “you can’t help loving your family, but if you like them, well, that’s really something.”
Mike Gallagher
November 1, 2008
Perialas'
Through Gus, you became like family to me, so I am truly saddened for your loss. I know what a big part of each of your lives Big John was and I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you always!
Love- Mike Gallagher and Family
Carol LaGrow
October 31, 2008
Jen and Val, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Dianna Newby
October 31, 2008
Dear Doe, don't know if you would remember me...Dianna Newby, Big John was instrumental in my musically career along with Bobby Comstalk, Bernie Milton (gone now also)and Ronnie Dio and others....John will be missed....Forrest Smith was my husband then and he introduced Big John to me He is also gone now June 2003 .You were my sorority mother when I was in High School....you took us to NY where Big John got me a recording contact. No long in music...i am an Artist an Author and I live in San Diego.......my sincerce condolences to you and your family and know you are all in my prayers......signing for Forrest Smith of Ithaca who is gone....as well as for myself.....Dianna Newby
Cindy Corcoran
October 31, 2008
Doe, Alex, Val, Krissy and Gus,
Tom and I were deeply saddened when we were told of John's passing. We will not be able to be there to share hugs and tears due to a situation we could not change. Please know that John will be in our hearts forever and all of you in our prayers. I have found that memories give the most comfort through such sad times.
We will always remember John's sense of humor and that he always caught the "biggest and the first fish"! We'll miss you, Captain.
Love,
Cindy and Tom Corcoran
Dave Wickstrom
October 31, 2008
Dear Alex and Doe,
I was saddened to see the passing of Big John. One of the real leaders in the good old days of rock and roll. My faith is that he is in a much better place but we are poorer for his going. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Conni Ersland
October 31, 2008
Dear Perialas Family,
We are sorry for your great loss and will keep you in our thoughts through this sad occasion. We admired and loved John as though we had known him forever.
With Love, Conni & Paul Ersland
Sophie Capolongo
October 31, 2008
Dear Doe & family & Father Gus,
I was so sorry to read of John's passing. He was a great guy, always fun to be around. May all your many happy memories sustain you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sophie Capolongo
October 31, 2008
Dear Doe & family & Father Gus,
I was so sorry to read of John's passing. He was a great guy, always fun to be around. May all you many happy memories sustain you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sophie Capolongo
Casey Isham
October 31, 2008
Dear Doe,
Michael and I were so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a wonderful man who touched so many lives with his warmth and gentle compassion. Michael and I will always owe the two of you a debt of gratitude for saving Michael's life on that boat ride a few years back. We have fond memories of days on the dock and the boat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Alex and the rest of your family.
May the love you shared and your memories sustain you in this difficult time. Know that those we love are never really gone but live in our hearts always.
Much love to you all at this time and always.
Casey & Michael Moore
Robert Kane
October 31, 2008
I would like express my sympathy for your loss.John was so instramental in introducing regional talent to all of us.Bobby Comstock,Ronnie Dio and so many more. Ithaca and Ithaca area talent will miss him.
FRED DeCHELLIS
October 31, 2008
John,we were the movers and shakers of the birth of rock and roll,begining in the late 50's and still influencing the artists of today.Many fond memories ,my friend,never to be forgotten.My deepest sympathies,Doe and family.
Cheryl Dale
October 31, 2008
Dear Doris, Val and Alex,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you have so many wonderful memories! Will remember you in my prayers.
Cheryl Bordonaro Dale
Marge Newhart
October 31, 2008
My Dear Doe and Family, I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss. I had the joy of meeting you and John when my sister, Paulette, and Gus Eframson married. I wish you God's Peace,
JACKI BROOKS
October 31, 2008
My Dear Doe,
I'll always remember John as a very tall(Jack was 6'3 1/2" and Jack always said that he had always looked up to him). John was a very distinguished, jovial, a good sense of humor and always had a welcoming smile and caring person. I remember at one of our telephone company parties that John got up, after much urging, and sang a song or two and how all the women melted as he serenaded us at the VFW where the party was. I have so many fond memories of John even when he was our commodore at the IYC. John was a treasure and he'll always be with you as the leaves change, in the winter with the glistening snow, in the springtime when the blosoms bloom, in the summertime, and at nighttime when the stars are out. Doe, John will be with you always as Jack is with me. John was always very proud of Val and Alex. My heart is with you and your family.
In Sympathy, In Love and In Friendship,
Jacki Brooks
In
John Stratakos
October 31, 2008
Dear Doe, Alex, Valerie, Metro Epiphanios and family,
Sharon, Amalia and I send our deepest sympathies to you on the passing of John.
I have many memories of John, many of which go back to the fifties. He was a great photographer and took several pictures of my family which I still have. I also remembered his father chasing him all over Hudson Street to inflict a punishment for a behavioral transgression of which I was the instigator.
He studied high level math in college but made his mark in the music industry as a promoter, producer and publisher.
He will be missed by all who were privileged to know him. May his memory be eternal!
John, Sharon & Amalia Stratakos
Shirley & Jim Herson
October 30, 2008
Dear Doe, Alex, Krissy, and Val, We were so very saddened to learn of John's passing. What a great man he was! Our thoughts and our prayers are with you all at this time of great sorrow. Many hugs to you all, Shirley and Jim Herson
Dan and Nicole Sheehan
October 30, 2008
We are sorry for your loss and wish all the best.
Nancy Harlow
October 30, 2008
Dearest Val & Family,
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you at this sad time. I know how much your Dad meant to you Val. There are two huge hugs from Halifax, Nova Scotia being sent to you & your family. Take Care & remember our door is always open to you. Take Care Love Nancy & Hazel Harlow XOXO
G. Ruth Harlow
October 30, 2008
Dear Val and Family, My Thougths are with you all during this difficult time...Val you always spoke so highly of your father "Pops"...I know he will be deeply missed and will always be greatly loved...Big Hugs
Diane (Loughridge)Kelemen
October 30, 2008
I don't know if you remember me, Diane Loughridge Kelemen. I happened to be checking on line to see what is going on in Ithaca and came across this announcement. I'm sorry to hear this news. My condolences go out to the family. I have many happy memories of John as I was growing up.
Jim Lawrence
October 30, 2008
To Alex, Doris & Family,
My heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to you. John was a real gentleman, and was always very kind to me. I went to college with Alex, and worked with John through his Talent Agency, and recorded at his studio.
Love & warm regards,
Jim
Carol and Steve Cardamone
October 30, 2008
Doe and family.........We are so sorry to hear of John's passing! We have such fond memories of our time spent on the "VALEX" and all the fun we shared at the IYC. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Angelo Manos
October 30, 2008
Father Gus;I am sure I speak for the entire family our sincere condolences on your brothers' passing.Fondest Regards,Angelo J.Manos
Lisa Herson-Snyder
October 30, 2008
Doe, Alex, Krissy, Valerie
My prayers are with each of you during this extremely difficult time. John was such a great man, and I loved him very much. We'll always have fond memories.
Lisa
Willie Evans
October 30, 2008
Alex and Krissy, I am sorry to hear of "pops" passing... You are in my prayers and thoughts...
Bob Webber
October 30, 2008
John and I fished together for over 25 years and, in 1995, we were the "Cobia Kings" of Key West, Florida. He was a very special and close friend who will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Ellie Webber
BEVERLY KRAFT
October 30, 2008
DEAR DORIS AND FAMILY OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU WE ARE SURE SORRY TO READ THIS IN THE PAPER SORRY WE CANT BE THERE BUT WE ARE IN FLORIDA LOVE BEV AND ANDY KRAFT
Larry Berger
October 30, 2008
Please accept our sincerest condolences for your loss, we know you will all miss him, and hope that you're comforted by many memories.
Chris Cholakis
October 30, 2008
Thea Doe, Valerie, Alex, and Uncle Gus,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May his memory be eternal.
Nadine and Rob Gibbons
October 30, 2008
Alex and Krissy, were so sorry to here of John's passing. He was a really great man, and we always enjoyed him.
Nick & Michelle Nardi
October 30, 2008
May the memories of John and his smile bring you comfort, and peace. Our prayers are with you.
Sally Eframson
October 30, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sesu Coleman
October 30, 2008
John was a legend in both the local community as well as the music industry. He was responsible for many musical groups in the area - too many to name. I last saw him in his son Alex's "Pyramid" recording studio this past summer while working on an LP with Alex. We had a chance to speak & reflect on some of the good times in the Ithaca music scene. My best wishes to his family & friends.
Noreen Judd
October 29, 2008
My Dear Doe and family,
I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. I will always remember him with great admiration for his kind, gentle, and giving nature. What a tremendous loss it must be for you and your family. I'm sure he will be missed more than words can say. May God bless you. I will remember you in my thoughts and prayers.
Warmly,
Noreen (Scott Gravelding's Mom)
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