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Joseph Perz Obituary
JOSEPH R.
Age 79 of North Huntingdon, a Veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Army Air Corp. during World War II, died Thursday, December 8, 2005 at his home. He was born August 23, 1926 in Oakmont, PA, a son of the late Joseph and Anna Marie Meister Perz. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Perz was employed as a teacher for Allderdice, Plum and Crafton High Schools, and during his tenure as a high school teacher subsequent to his retirement. Mr. Perz was a Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology for the Allegheny County Community College. Mr. Perz was an active and founding member of St. Agnes Parish in North Huntingdon, where he served as a lector, parish council member and an assistant coach for the St. Agnes Rams football team. In addition to these activities, Mr. Perz was a member of the St. Agnes Men's Club, the Emerald Club, a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels and Westmoreland Manor Nursing Home, and an alumni of the Alle-West umpire's association. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James, and a sister, Mary Elizabeth. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Cecelia Kopaczewski Perz; four sons, Joseph W. and his wife Mary, Martin A. and his wife Joann, Gregory V. and his wife Donna, and Walter G. Perz; three daughters, Stefanie Evans and her husband Ray, Theresa Connelly and her husband George, Monica Waddington and her husband Dave; three brothers, John, Charles and Fran; two sisters, Madeline Kozusko and Emma Guggie, and 18 grandchildren. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, INC., Clay Pike, Circleville, N. Huntingdon on Sat. December 10 from 6-8, and from 2-4 and 6-8 on Sunday. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 12, at 10:00 am at St. Agnes Church, followed by interment in St. Mary Czestochowa Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
www.shirleyfuneralhome.com (724) 864-4200.
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Kyra, Liam, Pappap & Kabota July 2005
Kyra & Liam Connelly
January 2, 2006
Hi Pappap,
We love you. Thank you for teaching us so many things. We wanted everyone to see your Kabota and how you taught so much to all of us. Not just about your tractor, but how to love and care for each other. Please know that we are all here for Mammam. She is so important and special and we love her. Everyday we can feel you here with us.
Love,
Kyra and Liam
December 30, 2005
It is with regret that I have just learned of Joe Perz’s passing. Nonetheless, I do not despair because he has left me with many fond memories and with the sincere expectation that I shall see him again.
He was stimulating as a teacher. He was uncomplaining---even enthusiastic!---as our chess team sponsor. (You can appreciate what this means ONLY if you can picture having to drive all over Pittsburgh with your car jammed full of hyperactive, teenage boys.) And, finally, he was a true friend.
About three years ago, Jerry Bergman (CHS ’64) helped us to re-establish contact after more than forty years. It seemed as if not a single day had passed, except, of course, that we were now both “senior citizens.” We enjoyed many uplifting conversations over these three years, despite his physical decline. He often communicated his devotion to his family---especially his profound respect and abiding love for his wife. Every one of our numerous phone calls included discussion of our faith in God. I believe that his trust in the Lord did much to sustain him in his latter days.
Joe shared himself, his inspiration, and even his marvelous, home-raised garlic with me.
May his example motivate us all to assess our own lives and to commit ourselves to extending God’s grace to the lives that we touch even as our friend, Joe Perz, so faithfully did.
David Gundlach, CHS ‘61
John Arthurs
December 29, 2005
In reading all of the previous entries, it's very difficult indeed to come up with something original to say about Mr. Perz.
I also was very fortunate to have had him as a Biology teacher at Taylor Allderdice back in the early 1970's, and although I had forgotten about the infamous "duck tie" (thanks, Gerry!), I still recall vividly the first day of class, and him intoning (in that inimitable voice) that his surname was pronounced "Perz - like the cat purrrssss ... !"
He truly was a bit of a character (remember the military-style "buzz cut" that he often sported in the Spring?!), but far more importantly he was a very kind, caring man, and an excellent teacher who clearly knew his stuff, and set very high standards for his students.
My friends and I often grumbled about the perceived shortcomings of some of our teachers, but I *never* heard anyone say anything remotely negative about Mr. Perz; he was always respected, and genuinely well-liked, by his many students.
May God grant you comfort in this time of loss, and also in the certain knowledge that Mr. Joseph Perz touched the lives of a vast number of his students, who still remember him most fondly to this day.
Gerry Kienzl
December 28, 2005
To the Perz family,
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Perz as my Biology teacher at Allderdice during the early 70's, and I will always remember his engaging personality, easy laugh,and silly "ducks in flight" tie. He never "talked" to you, in as much as he connected with you and made learning an easier experience. The world is a lesser place with the loss of Mr. Perz! Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies. God Bless!
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Jerry Bergman (CHS '64)
December 27, 2005
Dear Mrs. Perz and Family,
Thank you so much for sharing your husband and father with the thousands of people whose lives have been touched by this wonderful man. He was an ideal role model and an enthusiastic cheerleader who inspired all who knew him to do their best.
George Connelly
December 21, 2005
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Joe for the last 14 years. As I return to this Guest Book to read new memories and re-read the others I am filled with emotion. I am truly amazed at how many lives he touched. I never had him in class but he taught me well.
I want to put down here the proper words that will flood everyone's heart with the same feeling that fills mine.
While I am deeply saddened by the loss of my father-in-law I am also filled with wonderfully powerful memories of the man. The Steelers vs the Patriots will always be classic.
He was a great man. He is a great soul. His joi de vivre now lives strong in my children. For that I will be eternally grateful.
I miss you old bear.
Love, George
John Misitis
December 20, 2005
Mrs. Perz and Family,
Our deepest sympathy and condolement to you and your families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John Misitis
Marilyn and Jack Stewart
December 18, 2005
Dear Perz Family.
Mr. Perz taught my husband am I both. We both have fond memories of him and his laughter. The last time I saw him at one of the reunions he just was so happy and seemed to have not changed at all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time, but I know he will always be near.
Bill Minkel
December 16, 2005
Mr. Perz, I had him for
Biology at then Crafton High, forget what year but I graduated in 1962 I think. He used to make me wake up and take a walk around the school, LOL. I did the leaf collection also, learned a lot about trees, some of which I still remember. Mr. Perz was a good teacher and I always respected him even though he insisted I stay awake during his class.
Darla Feiertag Cronin, Class of '61
December 16, 2005
My sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I was saddened to learn that Mr. Perz had passed away.
Mr. Perz was my biology teacher at Crafton High School, and I learned so much from him, both about biology and how to treat people. He seemed to know what each of us needed, and always said something that made you feel appreciated. He was intelligent, warm, caring, and had a wonderful dry sense of humor.
As I heard Mr. Perz say many times, "That will suffice."
Charles Chieffe
December 16, 2005
Joe was always the same: in school or out. His laugh was always present. He had a deep love for learning and teaching. I was one of his grateful students.
My love to his family.
Eileen D'Elia
December 15, 2005
I'll remember his patience, humor, and passion for teaching. We all were fortunate to have had Mr. Perz as a teacher.
Eileen McKeever D'Elia
Gig Harbor, WA
Nancy Feldmiller Nicoll
December 14, 2005
The trouble with being a teacher is it takes years to reap the rewards of all your efforts. I suppose Mr. Perz had only a slight inkling of how many lives he affected over his career. I have thought of him often over the years because of his caring concern for his students and his love of teaching. I recall two significant adventures. One was the trip to Mercer Bog. He had us all jump up and down and watch the swamp move like a wave. The most outstanding trip was to the Home for Exceptional Children (I think that was what it was called.) It was located in Ingram. After we met the clients, Mr. Perz reminded us of how difficult it was for these children to achieve with their severe handicaps. I am paraphrasing, but the lesson learned that day from Mr. Perz was think what all one can achieve with all your normal talents and abilities. Be thankful, that you are who you are!
Mr. Perz, posthumously, I salute you. Your life lessons will remain with me always. Condolences to your family who shared you with us over the years. I know you will be sadly missed.
Carolyn Pickard
December 13, 2005
Mr. Perz was my very favorite teacher. he taught me biology and advanced biology. I took the second class just to have him teach me again. I have so many wonderful memories of him. My condolences to his family.
Carolyn (Lynnie) Pickard Class of 1960.
eddie grimes
December 13, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Mr Perz was one of a kind. His humor and honest ways in being the real teacher will always be remembered. He could really get everybody excited at pep rallies. He made every student who would just try.. feel smart. When he first started in Crafton , one summer he went door to door selling dictonaries and encyclopedias. My mother bought a set. He had to be a good salesperson. When I had to do a paper for his class I would reference the books he sold us in hopes of getting an A. He kindly said.. ya need more than one reference..I am so lucky that I can say he was one of the best..because he was..
Jeannie Malloy Lyons
December 13, 2005
Dear Perz Family Members,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss of Mr. Perz. He was one of my favorite teachers at Crafton High School in 1962 and 1963.
He is probably remembered by many classes for his famous Leaf Collection, that most of us dreaded but, spent a lot of time leaf gathering and putting notebooks together. He said we would remember some of these trees years later. It always makes me think of him whenever I do remember the name of a certain tree.
What I also remember, is how kind he was. He loved to teach and we were very lucky to have his inflluence on our young lives. He passed though many lives and made them better with education, humor, caring, and dedication, and a special zest that made him unique. It was a priveledge to have known him and been taught by him.
Jeannie (Malloy) Lyons CHS '63
Lynda Gesalman
December 12, 2005
Jose was the affectionate nick-name Mr. Perz was known by at the Westmoreland Manor geriatric facility where he volunteered on Sundays. Even though he was ill, he helped the residents to Mass on Sundays with a smile for everyone, the residents, other volunteers and the staff. He gave his love, humor and faith to everyone he met. He and his wife continued giving with dignity throughout his illness. Jose, you are our hero.
Robert Sebrosky
December 12, 2005
Mr. Perz was my Crafton High School biology teacher way back in the 1950's.
I remember him as a very dedicated teacher who truly liked the subject, and his liking biology really came across to the students, at least to me it did. He never put up with any nonsense in the classroom, and expected his students to study, do the homework, and maybe learn to appreciate biology. I certainly did.
I wish to express my condolences to his entire family.
Connie Van Asdale
December 12, 2005
Dear Perz Family,
My life was enriched by the experience of having Mr Perz as my teacher.
He was as excellent a teacher as he was a fine person. He brought his joy, his enthusiasm, his love of teaching to work with him every morning. And even though he made his way from Mars to Crafton, he arrived on time even after the wildest snowstorms.
His dedication to his students was complete; and because of his honor and his personal magic, his Biology classes became life lessons.
We thank God for him and know that we were graced by a truly wonderful presence.
Connie Marshall Van Asdale '64 CHS
Adele Johler-Roupp
December 12, 2005
I only had Mr. Perz for one year of biology but it was a learning year. And then to have missed him dancing at the very first All-Years Reunion -- I regret that!! But he is, I'm sure, dancing in the clouds. All prayers and blessings to Mr. Perz and his family.
Laura Harris Frank
December 11, 2005
My gratitude for Mr. Perz has lasted over forty years. My family was poor, and I had no hope of my going to college, until the day Mr. Perz marched me down the hall to the office of Maurice Burns, Guidance Counselor. Between scholarships, jobs, and a lot of encouragement for my parents from my teachers, we managed it somehow together. Now a grandmother with several degrees behind my name (one of them a B.S. in Biology), I pray that my grandchildren experience the love and dedication to true teaching that Joe Perz showed for his students. Thank you, Mr. Perz.
Donald Little
December 11, 2005
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Perz was one of the finest men I have ever met. He was a great influence on me and my outlook on life. I shall remember him fondly forever, for all he meant to me, and for all the many others he touched. God Bless him and his family, and you all will be in my prayers.
Gilbert Evans
December 11, 2005
It's been a long time for me since I was in a biology class taught by Mr. Perz. I graduated from CHS in '59, and haven't been around much since then. I am struck, reading the obituary, by a thought that I've had so many times before. We seldom know our teachers as persons outside of the classroom until much, much later...often, as in this case, when we read about all the things they did aside from keeping us in line and steering us toward a successful and happy life. Thank you, Mr. Perz, wherever you are. Gil Evans
Marian (Moran) Lear
December 11, 2005
We were both blessed to have known this man and learned from him. "Thanks for the memories"
Allan Lear CHS 65
Cherie Slater
December 11, 2005
Dear Family Members,
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Perz for two years of biology. My freshman year, and then for advanced biology my senior year (1964-65). I'll always remember him writing on the blackboard before our first lab session to remember that (laboratory) is "labor" - not "oratory." I remember his enthusiasm for his subject and his unwavering school spirit. He was my homeroom teacher for sophomore year, and when the teachers were told that there were to be no Christmas parties in class, he asked us to bring cookies and treats and we would call it "a science experiment." Thank you, Mr. Perz, for your devotion to your students. We still have the memories!
Bill Cain
December 11, 2005
We learned from you. Some in ways that were not clear at the time. Some in ways that might never be known by others. But all benefitted from your Life, Love for Knowledge and Passion for Excellence. May those you've left behind in this life know that you were a treasure to more people than they might ever meet. May you dance in Heaven as you danced on Earth. And may we one day meet again and laugh....
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