Phil Perabo

Phil PeraboCorpus Christi, TXPhil Perabo was born August 19, 1921 in Tupelo, Mississippi. His long, remarkable life ended at home on May 18, 2014. Phil was the son of Phil and Malvina Perabo, and brother to four sisters and one brother. Phil's father was an immigrant from Germany who saw his American Dream realized. His mother was a first-generation American. After graduating from Tupelo High School, he attended the University of Mississippi, where he also learned to fly. He ended his college education when he joined the Navy in 1941 and trained as a fighter pilot at the age of 20. He was a member of the 2nd flight training class at NAS Corpus Christi. He joined the fleet (VC-9) aboard the USS Bogue in 1942, where he was a part of a strike group responsible for sinking the first German sub in the Atlantic. He then joined Fighter Squadron VF-82 in the Pacific, serving aboard the USS Bennington until he was shot down and taken prisoner at Ofuna, a Japanese POW Officer Interrogation Camp, where he spent the remainder of the war. During Cdr. Perabo's service for his country, he was decorated nine times, being awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, one Purple Heart, two Presidential Unit citations, and numerous campaign ribbons. Phil had two careers: one with the US Navy, and a second as a real estate broker after his retirement from the Navy. Phil married the love of his life, Benita Russey, in 1949. Their 65 year marriage was a true love affair. He is survived by his wife, Benita, and their children: Phyllis Parr (Christopher), Mary Garza (David), John Perabo(Nina), and Mark Perabo (Jacqie); nine grandchildren, David Parr, Molly Parr, Brant Gonzalez (Gil), Aaron Garza, Jeffrey, Jack and Arden Perabo, Phillip and Pamela Perabo; and one great-granddaughter, Dylan Gonzalez.Phil was an extremely kind and generous man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He made everyday events fun and memorable. He was extremely gregarious and made many friends in his numerous military postings around the world. He was known as a great storyteller, especially to children, both his own, and all those in the neighborhood. The children always loved hearing the stories where Phil had done something bad, was punished, but then given a big dish of ice cream!Besides leaving a large and close family, Phil left us all with a legacy of his faith and convictions. He was a parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church for 37 years and faithfully attended Mass until his health began to fail. The family is most appreciative to the Eucharist ministers, the late Peter Rabalais, and Mr. Martin Gonzalez, whose ministry to Phil was always the highlight of Phil's week.Phil wrote, ' Both of my parents came to the United States looking for a better life and found it. I fought to preserve that life during World War II and devoted most of my adult years in the service of my country. My four children and nine grandchildren [and great-grandchild] inherit this legacy.'A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation in Phil Perabo's name be given to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, where the family has donated his story and historical documents.To view tribute, please visit www.seasidefuneral.com.