Manuel James Perella

Manuel "Manny" J. Perella, 84, passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his wife of 60 years, surrounded by family, on May 31, 2025.
A half-century resident of Cuyahoga Falls, Manny was born in Akron on April 22, 1941, to the late Albert and Mary Perella. He was a 1959 graduate of North High School and attended the University of Akron before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. For over 25 years, Manny worked as a lab technician in the research and development laboratory at Firestone Tire & Rubber.
Manny met the love of his life, Jean Ann (née Nalencz), at a dance at the German American Club in the 1960s-a story he often fondly retold. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home on Birchwood Avenue, where they lived for 53 years and formed cherished bonds with neighbors on what became a uniquely special street.
Manny was a man of deep Catholic faith who practiced what he believed. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted parishioner at both St. Joseph and St. Eugene Catholic Parishes over the years. He also served as a CCD instructor at St. Joseph, passing on his faith to the next generation.He was deeply proud of his Italian heritage and his upbringing on North Hill. Manny enjoyed genealogy, fishing, and especially working with his hands-building, fixing, and improving things around the home brought him great satisfaction. Known for his "dad jokes" and classic "Mannyisms," he brought humor and lightness to everyday life.
Above all, Manny valued relationships. He loved to make phone calls-not just to check in, but to truly stay connected. He was a master of maintaining lifelong bonds with friends and family alike, and his warmth, sincerity, and steady presence touched everyone who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Manny was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph (Connie) and Ronald; his affable and always-joking son-in-law, Dudley "Tri" Blair Hadden III; and his very special, very hilarious granddaughter, Maddy.He is survived by his beloved wife Jean Ann; his children Marie Hadden, Dan (Ellie) Perella, Kristin (Scott) Murphy, and Edmund (Jennifer Oxley) Gai; grandchildren Jake (Ashley), Joey (Grace), Ian, Isobel, Christopher, Megan, and Karlo; great-grandchildren Easton and Sunny; sister-in-law Stephanie; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Chruch 3179 Kent Rd. Stow, OH 44224, where family will greet friends after the mass. A private interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Manny's memory to the Grief Care Place by visiting www.thegriefcareplace.org or to Open M Ministries by visiting www.openm.org.
For out of town family & friends, Mass will be live streamed. Visit www.holyfamilystow.org and select "video resources" under the menu.
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