Nicholas "Tony" Perrone

Nicholas "Tony" Perrone Jr., 89, passed away on July 31, 2024 in Tampa. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Nicholas had many interests and was known for his fun-loving spirit. He was always quick with a joke, a story, or a song.

Nicholas grew up near Arthur Avenue and enjoyed playing with his brothers and friends on the campus of Fordham University. He was the third of five children born to a second generation Italian family. In the early 1960s, he proudly served in the kitchen of the Army National Guard, where he learned the love of cooking for a crowd. He was also a member of the American Legion, and had much success in the early days of data processing systems at IBM, Russ Berrie, and others. He enjoyed going to jazz clubs with friends, especially in New Orleans with his partner Gloria.

Growing up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, Nick was a lifelong Yankees fan who also made room in his heart for his adopted hometown Rays. Nick also loved fishing, gardening, and attending his grandkids' many games, recitals and other
events in the Tampa area. He enjoyed horse racing, and was a familiar face at the Tampa Bay Downs. Like a pirate, he preferred rum over water. He loved hanging out with his buddies and was always up for a good time. A student of the Dale Carnegie School, he had a natural gift for making friends wherever he went. He changed his name to "Tony" after moving to Florida in the late 70's and taking a job at a Greek restaurant in Tarpon Springs which already had "too many Nicks".

Nicholas "Tony" was a beloved son, brother, cousin, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He is predeceased by his partner of almost 40 years, Tampa native Gloria Gonzalez Gallo, and grandsons Michael David and Grant Michael Gallo. Surviving family members include Laura, Ernie, Ernie III, Marelise and Delaney Blockburger, Angela, Brian and Georgia Painter, Tammy, Mike, Matthew, Leah and Kristen Gallo, Tricia Perrone, Sabrina, Noah, and Willow Ynes, Debi and Glen Allison and Steve, Grace and Allyson Gallo, in addition to too many cousins, nieces and nephews to list here. His memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.

Please join us as we celebrate his life with a memorial service to be held at Fort DeSoto Park, on the beach near Shelter 12, at 4:30 pm on Saturday, August 10. Please BYOP (bring your own pole) for some fishing, sharing memories and some of his favorite foods, and a final farewell at sunset. Please contact the family if additional details are needed. In lieu of flowers, Tony would be honored for donations to be made in his memory to St Jude's Children Hospital.