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Francis Perno Obituary
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Frank's early years were defined by his unwavering dedication to his nation. A graduate of Midland Park High School in 1964, he fearlessly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, embarking on a journey of bravery and sacrifice. From 1964 through 1967, he served three tours in Vietnam as a BT-3 (Boilerman, Petty Officer 3rd Class) aboard the Cruiser USS Providence CLG-6 and the Destroyer USS Braine 00-630. His valor was not only recognized but celebrated, as he was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Surface Warfare Medal.
Following his honorable discharge in 1970, Frank pursued his education at Jersey City Technical Institute, Paterson, N.J., earning a 2-year degree as a Computer and Communication Technician. He then embarked on a successful career at Western Union in Mahwah, N.J., where he continued to excel professionally, earning a Bachelor's of Business Science from Ramapo College in 1981 and an MBA in Management Informatiori Systems from lona College of New York. Frank's career was a testament to his dedication and success through his service in prominent positions as Vice President and Chief Information Officer for various Fortune 100 organizations. He retired in 2009, leaving a legacy of hard work and achievement.
His continuous commitment to community service highlighted Frank's life. He selflessly volunteered for numerous organizations, including the Ambulance Corp for the New York State as an EMC (local emergency response leader), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and the Atlanta-based Fernbank Museum of Natural History. His unwavering dedication to serving others was a shining example of his generosity, leaving a legacy of gratitude and respect.
Memorial service will be held Friday, October 18th at 12:00 noon at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E Pinnacle Peak Road in Scottsdale.
Frank will be laid to rest in the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ October 18th at 2PM. We invite all who knew and loved Frank to join us in honoring his life and legacy on this solemn occasion.
Another Memorial will also be held at St Luke's Roman Catholic Church, 340 N Franklin Tpke, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ near his parents at a later date.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Charles Pormann
August 21, 2024
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.
Charlie Pormann
August 21, 2024
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.
Robert J. VanDerClock
August 13, 2024
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.
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Ed Pepling
August 13, 2024
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.
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