Frank P. Peraino, age 79, of Rome, passed away suddenly on December 24, 2024.

He was born July 7, 1945, in Rome, a son of the late Joseph and Martha Destito Peraino. Frank graduated from Rome Free Academy, earned Bachelor and Master degrees from Springfield College and a Certificate of Advanced Studies at SUNY Cortland. He served as a counselor at the Ludlow School District in Ludlow MA, and later taught classes and coached wrestling at Suffield Academy in Suffield, CT. After years of successful coaching, Suffield Academy named the wrestling gym in Frank's honor. He later counseled and retired from the Remsen Central School District, Remsen, NY, in 2011.

Frank's teaching, coaching and counseling career was a career of dedication to his students. He was truly an inspiration to hundreds of young students to advance their studies and lead successful lives.

Frank is survived by his loving companion, Ann Weidenfeller; a brother and sister in law, Joseph and Susan Peraino of Syracuse; nephew and niece, Adam and Ashley Peraino; several cousins; and many great friends.

A private funeral service will be held at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, with Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio, officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of one's choice.

Please offer online condolences or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Sentinel from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Peraino

Sponsored by Barry Funeral Home - Rome.

32 Entries

Susan Kelly

May 26, 2025

I had Frank as a counselor in Frankfort New York from grade school to high school until he left he always help me through anything. He always had a drawer full of candy which he always wanted me to take some and I never did lol I loved him so much and he was so helpful. He helped me through all those years I looked up to him. I will miss him, and I was glad that my son had met him in high school in remsen ny he was definitely a great counselor/teacher that listened to his students rest easy, Frank

Matt Sanzone

March 1, 2025

So sorry to learn of this. I coached Frank on freshman team at the college. Frank was special; big heart, tough wrestler, great human being. He and Bob Wallagunda were inseparable teammates on that freshman team which was undefeated including a victory at West Point. and I was fortunate to see both of them at the recent Springfield wrestling celebration this past year. We didn't see each other often, but when we did, it was always special.

John Everett Martin

February 28, 2025

I admired and respected greatly. I was student at LHS. I really loved his corvette! God bless him and those he loved!

Bob Skelton

January 31, 2025

My best bud, and World wrestling coaching partner. Brothers from different mothers!

Maria D'Agostino Crawford, Springfield College, Class of 1991

January 28, 2025

I am so sorry to hear this news. On behalf of the Springfield College Alumni Association, our sincere condolences and sympathy. I had the pleasure of visiting with Frank this past summer during our Celebration of Springfield College Wrestling. Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank's family and friends.

Dr. Matt Hawes, Springfield College, Class of 1980

January 15, 2025

Frank Peraino was a Springfield College wrestling legend. I got to know Frank when he coached at Suffield Academy in Suffield, CT., which was not far from Springfield, MA. He would bring his wrestling team down to Springfield so they could get a feel for wrestling at the College level. His boys were tough and respectful, just like their coach.

Frank followed my career at Springfield, and was always an inspiration to me, as I wanted my picture on the wall along with him and many of the other Springfield greats. He would put his arm over your shoulder and tell you stories of the old days, which I stored in my mind and often recall them from time to time.

Frank was a great Coach and educator and friend. He is a lasting example of Springfield College's humanics philosophy of "Service to others." He helped make the world a better place, one person at a time! Till we meet again, my friend.

Jackie Dearness - Class of 1978

January 15, 2025

Best guidance counselor ever! Spent a lot of time just hanging out in his office and talking. Quite possibly the reason why I made it through high school in Ludlow and definitely the reason why I attended SUNY Delhi!

Dr. Tom Lachiusa

January 7, 2025

At Springfield College, went to the Div. I national wrestling tournament. His Coach Doug Parker said Frank was an All American but did not finish 1st due to a 1 point loss to Wane Wells, who went on to be an Olympic Gold metal winner. The penalty for being to rough with Well's cost Frank the win. Over the years Frank has been a supporter of Springfield College wrestling and many years of alumni will miss him. It was great to see him on campus this Summer for our wrestling reunion.

Marie Burr

January 3, 2025

Mr. P was a mentor to me, kind of like a second father as well, and definitely a friend. He meant so much to me in my life and I know he did to so many others as well.
He was always there when I needed him. I have so many memories that I will carry.
I will also miss his great sense of humor.
Forever missed.

James Leary - Class of 2008

January 3, 2025

Mr. Peraino - I knew you toward the end of your career, but even though you were so close to retirement, you still made me feel like you paid attention, and I really needed that at that time in my life. Thank you for devoting yourself to your cause - you really did make a difference.

Bill Paddock

December 31, 2024

I was so sorry to see the passing of Mr. Peraino. My condolences to his family and friends. I was always amazed at Frank´s ability to get any student to open up to him no matter what kind of background that student was from or what issue they were facing. He always put students first. He will be greatly missed.

Evan T

December 31, 2024

He never gave up on those who had been given up on. Forever grateful for your impact on my life Mr P.

Susan Lazarek

December 30, 2024

I was saddened to hear of Frank´s passing. He sent me a picture of his Christmas tree only a few days before. How he loved Christmas! He was my dear friend and colleague for many years. He made me a better teacher and helped more students than anyone will know. Rest easy, Frank. You deserve your place in Heaven.

Karen Casey

December 30, 2024

My condolences to the family. He was my guidance counselor when I was in highscbhool. He was the best. You could talk to him about anything, anytime. He was a grezt man. I'm sure he will be missed by his family and friends.

Linda Rygielski

December 30, 2024

Sorry to hear of the passing. Sending prayers to the family and friends! Mr. P was the best guidance counselor!! I will always cherish the memories of him. He help so many people and touched so many people!! He was a blessing to have!! Now that your an angel please fly high and keep watching over us!!

Sharon Geer

December 30, 2024

I loved and respected this man. I admired how our students always came first with Frank. He helped me become a better teacher and parent. Frank, miles to go before I sleep. RIP my friend

Donna (Anischik) Grossman

December 30, 2024

In the early 70s at Ludlow High School, Mr Peraino told me, a girl, that I should go to college for Aeronautical Engineering. It was decades before I realized what a singular guidance counselor he was. He shaped my life. I wished I had been able to thank him.

Daviena Joseph

December 30, 2024

Mr. Peraino was a huge influence on me as a youth. He was a very dedicated counselor and always made the students feel comfortable. Condolences to his family.

Shannah

December 30, 2024

So sad to hear this news. Mr. Peraino was an awesome guidance counselor. He was always happy to help anyone with anything. He will be missed

Sandra

December 30, 2024

My condolences to his family and friends. I remember Mr. Peraino from RCS and all the support he gave me through high school. He will truly be missed.

Amy Justice (Gates)

December 30, 2024

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Peraino was the best guidance counselor. He helped me out many of times get through the craziness of high school.One of the best listeners ever. RIP Mr. p

Rayleen morris

December 30, 2024

He is such a great mentor. he always knew what to say when to say it I remember bringing my lunch down to his office. He ask everything OK today kiddo he was an amazing man who were truly be missed.

Karen

December 30, 2024

It was a blessing to have known Mr. Periano as a student. He helped me and so many others in countless, invisible and sometimes thankless ways. He was a gift to this world. He was one of the reasons I became a school counselor. My deepest sympathies.

Lindsey Behr

December 30, 2024

Mr. Person knew just what to say when I would talk with him. I spent so many hours talking with him when I was in school. The memories of our chats will be treasured always.

Johanna Torres

December 30, 2024

I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Peraino. I spent many hours talking with him when I was in high school. He was always there to listen and offer words of encouragement.

Jon

December 30, 2024

Mr. Peraino was one of the greatest mentors I had at RCS. I will never forget him.

Robin

December 29, 2024

I worked with Frank 20 years at Remsen! He always had the students best interest at heart!
Always a true hero to so many at Remsen. He will be missed yet thought of kindly. I am so sorry for your loss. God speed.

Bob and Lucy Balick and family

December 28, 2024

My husband and I were next door neighbors of Frank's for 28 years. Frank was the best neighbor that anyone could have. He was always pleasant, and we always got along. Many wonderful memories were made over the years. We will always have a special place in our hearts for him. His kindness transcended all age groups. It was so easy to appreciate Frank. We will miss him dearly. He is surely an angel in heaven and in our hearts forever.
Bob and Lucy Balick

Stephanie Schell

December 28, 2024

Inspired a lot of students during his teaching career.

John Green

December 28, 2024

One of the best wrestlers RFA ever had. A great teammate.
I

Tony and Cathy Nicotera

December 28, 2024

We are so sad to hear about Frank´s sudden passing. We were just about to call him and discuss the past year´s events when we found out.
Frank was a friend and close colleague for the past 35 years.
We shared many enjoyable and rewarding experiences at RCS.
There was never a doubt in my mind that each student at RCS was a special individual whom Frank cherished endlessly.
Sincerely,
Tony and Cathy Nic.

Carl J Young

December 28, 2024

Frank was the best coach and mentor a student-athlete could have. He developed physical toughness and mental discipline in each of us through wrestling and exemplified the commitment needed to be a champion. I recall his personable nature but a down-to-business atmosphere in the wrestling room; we worked hard and were responsible for winning our weight class. I did not fully appreciate the life lessons he taught us until midway through Marine Officer Candidate School, where the never let up and never quit attitude carried me through. Frank is one of the people who had the most significant impact on my character development.

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