Pete Perini

PERINI Pete Perini, 80, of Fountain Hills, Arizona, passed away peacefully in the presence of his children on September 11, 2008. Pete was born on February 10, 1928 in New Village, New Jersey to Paul and Maria (Giambartolemio) Perini who preceded him in death. He graduated in 1946 from Washington High School where he earned eleven varsity letters in football, baseball and wrestling. In addition, he was a two time state wrestling champion. He was honored in 2000 by induction into their High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Pete chose The Ohio State University to further his studies and graduated in 1950 with his degree in Education. While attending OSU he became a devoted Buckeye. He excelled in football and baseball including football MVP in 1947, Captain of Baseball Team in 1950 and Co-Captain in Football and 1950 Rose Bowl Champion. With Pete's God-given athletic talents, hard work, and dedication earned Pete the honor of becoming a double inductee into The Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame for Football and Baseball in 2001. He was also a member of the Varsity O. In search of education and sports Pete found his soul mate and was able to capture the heart of his beloved, Merry Crum. They were married August 20, 1949 and enjoyed 42 years of happiness before her passing in 1991 to breast cancer. In their union they were blessed with three children, Sherry (Bob) Hunkler of Fountain Hills, Az, Mindy (Ernie) Williams of Lagrange, Oh, and Tom (Barb) Perini of Marion, Oh. All survive him. Pete went on to play professional Baseball for the Boston Braves Baseball Organization for two seasons before drafted into the Army spending a year in Japan but found time to play football and baseball on the service team the Tankers. He is a veteran ofthe Korean War. Pete's love for football brought him to the NFL to play for the Chicago Bears in 1954. In 1955 he went on to play for the Cleveland Browns ending his football career with a World (NFL) Championship. The lessons of sports served Pete well in his subsequent professional life and beyond. His career in The Department of Corrections began at the Ohio Penitentiary as a Recreational Director and three decades later ended in retirement serving as Warden at The Marion Correctional Institution. His career and life were characterized by building and managing successful teams and helping individuals to realize their potential. Pete reveled in the professional and personal successes of those he mentored. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and reliving precious memories. Pete's final years were focused on his family who he loved and cherished. In addition to his children, Pete is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Nick (Rachel) Perini, Lindsay Perini, Eric Perini, Logan Perini, Kate (Travis Hollowell) Hunkler, John Hunkler, Megan Williams, Tyler Williams, Ray (Jolyn) Williams and Aimee (Tim) Wood; seven great-grandchildren, Peyton Perini, Isabelle Perini, Kelsey Williams, Lyndie Williams, Mallory Williams, Addison Wood and Lexie Wood; sister-in-law, Dorothy Perini, Houston, TX.; many nieces, nephews, special friends, including Vince and Barb Chiu. His companion of 10 years, Dollie Miller of Sun City, Az. Special mention of his puppies who miss him dearly, Zeke, Annie, Jessie, Sadie, Simon, Murphy and Tatum. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by siblings and spouses Henry (Ada) Chiu, Armond (Helen) Chiu, Edith (Tillie) Guidi, and Edward Chiu. A memorial Service will be held at BOYD FUNERAL HOME, 122 W. Columbia Street, Marion, Ohio 43302 on Saturday, October 18, 2008, visitation at 11 a.m. and services at 12Noon. There will be a gathering following the service at The Carousel Convention Center. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions made for a memorial block at OSU Stadium in memory Pete and Merry Perini, the Buckeyes #1 Fans. GO BUCKS!! The Ohio State University Department of Athletics and Varsity 0, 210 St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Drive Columbus, Ohio 42310. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries