John J. Perko

John Joseph Perko, father, WWII Veteran, proud Hungarian, storyteller (many of them true!) and known affectionately as "Mr. Ithaca" stepped into heaven on July 16, 2025 and was greeted with a rousing chorus of "Hello my friend!" John was born on September 11, 1925 to Stephen Edward Perko and Helen Kulac Perko of Ithaca, New York.

John spent his entire 100 years in Ithaca and enjoyed friendships in every local neighborhood; he jumped trains to get across town, went sledding down Buffalo Street hill in the winter and ice skated on Beebe Lake – he was a wonderful figure skater and all-around athlete. As a young man he entertained the fans at Cornell hockey games between periods with his comedic turn as a visiting "famous" figure skater from Europe. Fans would gasp as he "accidentally" tripped and fell into the net or over the boards into the penalty box. He was equally graceful on the dance floor or off the high dive at the Ithaca College Community pool.

He attended and graduated from the Immaculate Conception grade school in 1938. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1944 and upon graduation he volunteered and entered the US Navy during World War Two. John attended boot camp at the Sampson, New York Naval Training Center and stationed at the Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn NY. He was assigned as an armed guard on the Liberty Ships SS Hilary A Herbert and the SS Blue Lick. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and was awarded several ribbons and medals for his service. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy in May 1946 and was very proud of his service.

He was previously married to Elizabeth Farrell and was the incredibly proud father of six children. John loved his children above all else and they loved him back! There was one hard and fast rule that he never let his kids forget – always love each other and take care of each other. Cherishing his memory everyday are Dana J. Perko (Mary) of Greensboro, NC, Lynn E. Perko Burris (Brian) of Garner, NC, Kathleen A. Perko Roach (Bill) of Chesapeake, VA, Laurie J. Perko of Hampton NH, Mimi Perko of Chesapeake VA, and Michael A. Perko (Sarah) of Jamestown, NC plus seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Heartfelt love and thanks to John's nieces and nephews, including John Rogers and Judy Wood in Ithaca who made sure he was doing ok and brought their Uncle John his favorite Hungarian cabbage rolls. Johns' family cannot express enough their thanks for the love and care over the years given to John by Dr. Jamie Loehr and staff. Very special thanks to John's wonderful friends Vanessa Protts, Mark and Michele Morse, and Frank Prudence for their caring friendship, as well as the staff and neighbors at the McGraw House.

John was employed by New York State Electric & Gas for 40 years and held several positions within the Gas Department. He personally dug, installed, and supervised many of the natural gas pipelines for both homes and businesses in the Ithaca area and could tell you every inch of any gas line laid in Tompkins County, what tool was used and how the job was done. From years of hard work his grip strength was legendary; right up until the end when John shook your hand you knew it. He truly loved his work and the many people he met during his time with NYSEG. His memory was amazing, and he was often called upon to recollect who lived where or what happened on this date and without fail would tell you ten times more than was expected.

John gave of his time voraciously to many organizations and events. From working to help preserve the Immaculate Conception School, hosting the annual Hungarian Picnic at Stewart Park, elected to serve as a member of the NY State Selective Service, being a long-time member of the Friends of Ithaca College, and serving on the board of the Ithaca Firehouse, Station #1. In 2021, John was honored by Ithaca ELKS Lodge #636 for 75 continuous years of being a member with the boardroom being named in his honor! John was so proud to be an ELK and never missed a Saturday lunch or activity with the members and staff who were more than just friends, they were his second family. Up to the age of 99, John regularly golfed at Newman Municipal Golf Course using only 3 clubs. He had two holes-in-one in one week (that story is true!) and received a plaque from the PGA recognizing this rare feat. While working as a volunteer at the Dewitt Historical Museum and getting his first computer at age 80 John began posting narrated video vignettes of Ithaca's history on Facebook and gained 100's of followers who looked forward to how he could bring Ithaca's history to life.

John loved life and greeted everyone with a heartfelt "Hello my friend"! He was an avid sports fan and not only attended hundreds of Ithaca High School, Ithaca College, and Cornell sporting events over the years, but served as the emcee of the Tompkins County Sports Council Football Luncheon series, a weekly sports banquet hosting football coaches from each school.

For over 70 years (that's not a typo) John worked for the Cornell Athletic Department as a ticket taker, referee coordinator, and sideline staff at Cornell Football, Hockey, and Lacrosse games. He was known far and wide for greeting visiting sports teams and making sure that their coaches and players were welcomed and treated with respect from the time they arrived on campus until they drove off. Many thank you cards from Ivy league coaches are among his effects for the kindness he showed them year after year. Cornell could not have asked for a better ambassador! For years he was the voice of the annual Ithaca 5k and 10k road races, often calling each runner out by name and telling stories about them as they crossed the finish line. He was the Commissioner of the Ithaca Softball League in the 1970s and coached both men's and women's slow-pitch and fast-pitch teams.

Johns greatest gift was his ability to help out those in need. Countless friends, family members, ELKS brothers and sisters, and Ithaca College and Cornell students were the beneficiaries of things that only John could give – introductions to his many acquaintances, tickets to sporting events, a little gratuity for a hot meal, a bowl of his famous Hungarian chicken soup, memorabilia, or anything that was needed he made sure he would help if he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Helen Perko, brothers Edward Pirko and Donald Perko and sister Helen Perko Rogers.

A celebration of John's life will take place on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the Ithaca Elks Club from 4pm -8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the "John J. Perko Hello My Friend" Fund being created at the Ithaca Elks Club. Ithaca Elks Lodge, # 636 124 Coddington Rd. Ithaca N.Y. 14859 607-273-3172