Thomas Anthony Perconte

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Thomas Anthony Perconte. He passed on Monday, September 4, 2023. A man who worked his entire life until the age of 90 passed on Labor Day at the age of 93, a day in which meant so much to him. Born in Wyoming, PA, his parents were immigrants from Sicily, Italy. Thomas was an Army Veteran of the Korean War.
He was the best dad you could ask for and a true hero. A father, brother, husband, and grandfather instilled in his family the meaning of a good work ethic, while at the same time teaching his son how to demand respect while on the job. It was never about what he wanted, but what everyone around him needed or expected from him at home and work. He used to tell us that he left high school before graduating so he could "dig ditches" in PA to help provide for his parents that came over from Italy.
A true trail blazer with the National Association of Letter Carriers as a local Union Steward/Vice President of Branch 1492 in Westfield, NJ. When someone did not know how or ignored workplace compliance for his members, Thomas made sure his voice would be heard. He stood for the working women and men of the NALC. He did not need to yell or scream to enforce worker rights, rather he represented by educating himself on what is right and wrong. Thomas was part of the 1970 wildcat Postal Strike that has made working conditions, wages, and benefits much better for all members.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Carmel Ann in 2014.
Thomas is survived by his wife Grace Vita Perconte; son, Anthony; daughter-in-law Helen; grandchildren, Gianna Rose, and Anthony Joseph. He was a brother to Dominick, Joseph, and Agnes Perconte Gashi and Uncle to his nephew, Bobby Gashi.
His will now rest easy, after fighting for the last month in and out of CCU and life support. A tough man that was loved by so many.
A public visitation will be at Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave, Westfield, from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023. A short prayer service will begin at 615pm.
A private funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at St. Gertrude Cemetery
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Thomas' name to the NALC Disaster Relief Fund (100 Indiana Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001-2144, phone number- 202-423-2443).