Francis Anthony Perno

I worked with Frank for many years at Western Union. I remember talking one day about what we did in the service and when we got home. Frank’s father had an IN with the steamfitters union and had set up an interview. He told Frank this would be a great job for him with all his Navy experience, the money was good and there was plenty of work for years to come. Frank told his father he was not ever entering a boiling room again. He had spent the previous years in 110 degree temperature and that was enough.
I remember one time Frank invited me and my family to his Log home in Greenwood Lake on the NY/NJ line in the woods. My youngest daughter was about three and she asked Frank if there were any Indians living in the woods. Frank made up this story for her about Indians all around his house and in the woods. The kid didn’t sleep that night and talked about the Indians that lived at Frank's house for a week.
I went on many business trips with Frank, He loved those dirty water hot dogs from the street venders and when we went to Chicago we would always go to Miller’s Pub for baby back ribs (They were the best), anyway one time we are in Chicago he read about about this place on the south side named Carson’s that was voted best ribs so we went. We got there and the neighborhood was bad, really bad, anyone in their right mind would have not gone in, but we were hungry. The ribs were good (but not as good as Miller’s Pub) anyway we got out of that place before dark.------Good times.
About 8 years ago I was talking on the phone. Frank and Pam were visiting Pam’s relatives near Houston TX and were going on a Princess Cruise out of the Port of Houston for Pam’s birthday. I was living in Houston at the time and had booked the same Cruise, best 7 day cruise ever.
I’ll end this here with John 14:2 Jesus says “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”. I will look forward to the day I get there and can enjoy the best ribs ever with Frank. I will miss his phone calls until that time.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I admire Frank's devotion to family and country, a sign of true greatness within this soft spoken member of our Class. Condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for your service as well, friend.

Frank and I were great friends in Midland Park, NJ from 3rd - 9th grade. I moved away and didn't see him again until a reunion in 2011. It was like we never lost a step reminiscing about our lives and time in the Navy. He was one of the good ones. I miss you my friend. RIP. We have the watch.