Joseph Anthony Pernaselli Sr.

Joseph Anthony Pernaselli, Sr., 87, passed away suddenly on October 19, 2022 in Marlton, NJ where he lived for the last 8 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Marianne (née Walsh) Pernaselli, and their children Mary Regensburg (Michael) of Marlton, NJ, Patrice Crosbie of Willimantic, CT, Joseph Pernaselli, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA, and Michael Pernaselli (Meg) of Basking Ridge, NJ. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren Caroline Linfante (Nicholas), Christopher Regensburg (Angela), Jeffrey Regensburg, Meredith Crosbie, Arthur Crosbie, Brian Regensburg, Evan Pernaselli, Sean Pernaselli, and 4 great-grandsons. Additionally, he is survived by numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Louise Pernasilici, his sister Ann Metallo, and his son in-law Kevin Crosbie. Joe was born in Scranton, PA. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Dunmore High School where he was class president and quarterback of the football team. He and Marianne were high school sweethearts. Joe graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor's degree in English and later earned his master's degree at the University of Connecticut. He was an Army veteran. He started teaching in the early 60's at Windham Tech, which led to a 30 plus year career both as a teacher and administrator at multiple schools within the CT Vocational-Technical system. Joe helped establish the football program at Windham Tech, eventually becoming the head coach. After retiring from coaching, he enjoyed many additional years on the field as a football official, always proud of those stripes and his whistle. He was especially proud of his work on the committee to install lights for the football field at Windham High. "The Pern", as he would affectionately come to be called, was involved with many civic organizations and boards in Willimantic and Columbia. He also became active at Brightview Senior Living where he resided in Marlton, NJ. Joe was president of the Resident's Association and a member of the Glee Club. He loved traveling with Marianne, time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, family dinners, a Coney Island hot dog on every visit back to Scranton, golf, and making his famous homemade spinach ravioli. Always with a pen in his pocket and an adage or two of advice ("You learn so much when you listen"), he was a true gentleman, family man and friend. Joe's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 10:30am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT. Burial with military honors will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Club Rd., Windham, CT In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be made to St. Joseph Renovation Fund, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT or to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540. For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com