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Walter Perih Obituary
Born December 14, 1960, in Scranton, he was a son of Walter and Peggy Joyce Perih, of Moosic.
He was a 1979 graduate of North Pocono High School, where he excelled in basketball and football. He attended North Carolina State in Raleigh on a football scholarship.
He later served in the U.S. Army. He was an active member of American Legion Post 274, Gouldsboro, and was president of the Pocono Mountain Veterans and Community Coalition, an organization dedicated to honoring troops returning from service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He was the founder and organizer of “Welcome Home, Town Heroes.” He was a dedicated patriot.
He participated weekly in Eucharistic Adoration at St. Catherine’s Church, Moscow.
He was a loving father, son and brother; and a devoted uncle. He loved spending time with his family and shared a special relationship with his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother Brian Perih; niece Simone Stefanelli.
He is survived by two daughters Meghan and Jillian Perih; three sisters Dr. Joyce Perih Stefanelli and her husband, James, of Moscow, Cheryl Shannon and her husband, Robert, of Moscow, and Terri Olshanski and her husband, Ted, of Sparta, N.J.; brother Patrick Perih and his wife, Angela, of Moosic; his fiancée Sherri O’Shea Nauman and her son, Sean; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held at 9:15 a.m. Monday from the Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Home, Route 690 and First Street, Spring Brook Township. A Mass follows at 10 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Church Street, Moscow, to be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Simon, pastor, and assisted by Deacon John Franceschelli. Interment, with military honors, will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Walter P. Perih Scholarship Fund, c/o PennStar Bank, Route 435, Elmhurst, PA 18416. For additional information, directions or to leave an online condolence, visit www.strauchfuneralhome.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Perih
Tim fasig
October 22, 2007
may you rest in peace bro
Chris Balton
October 22, 2007
God Bless Walt
& the Perih family.
Cindy Matchulat Kanc
October 20, 2007
Walt will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. He touched so many people's lives, from young to old. The incredible amount of people who showed up to pay their respects testifies to that. I know he was instrumental in the organization of the Hometown Heroes, but I believe he will go down as the greatest Hometown Hero of all.
Emil Pagliari
October 17, 2007
Walt,
My prayers are with you.
Eric Bonk
October 11, 2007
Wall, I will miss you. We had great times with each other and my memories of you will never fade. I will keep our JB's tradition going in your honor. I will see you again in heaven my brother and may God bless your family.
Mary McLane (Cuccherini)
October 3, 2007
Dear Perih Family,
My heart aches for you all. "Walty" was a giant of a man with the gentlest of spirits. I hold dear to my heart the fondest memories of him and will miss him tremendously.
Trish Kuehner
September 30, 2007
To the family Of Walt,
I am so sorry for your loss, i am sorry for the kids and his fience. I can say i know what you are going through. Walt was there at my husaband's veiwing and Fureral, for me, Whan Ray was killed in a tractor trailer accident just this past july 19th ( our anniversary) he will be so sadly mised.
I can truely say again i am so sorry, but i can't yet say it's gets better because i am not to that point yet, but remember him and all the times he made you laugh, that seems to help me.
Trish Kuehner & Family
Les Potter
September 28, 2007
We will always remember Walter Jr.
Sherri Nauman
September 27, 2007
Attention People, My Name is Walter Perih, if you need anything please see me. Wall wanted everyone to know he was there if you needed him. This was the way he lived his life, by doing for others, no matter what the cost. He didn't ask for anything in return. The way he lived his life showed in every aspect. His family always came first, then his friends and then him. His heart was bigger than his 6'10' 378 lb. frame. Wherever Wall went people made a point of coming up to him just to be near him and to speak to him. It didn't matter that he didn't know them, a conversation always took place. A friendship ultimately began. Walls' family was the most important thing in his life. He loved to bust their chops just because he could. This is probably the one big trait that endeared him to us. Never a mean word to anyone, all fun. His daughters Jillian and Megan were the lights in his life. There was no greater love than this love for them. His face would light up everytime he spoke of them. The pride he felt knowing how beautiful and smart they were filled the room. Walls' nieces and nephews were another source of pride with him. Whenever babysitting duty came up he jumped at the chance and boy did he make it fun. The kids called him the "Movie Man" because not only did he take them to one movie he taught them how to see another movie for free. A chance to stay at Uncle Waltys' house was a treat (even though he did make you work your butts off), they did it because he was their big teddy bear. Walls, compassion and love for my son Sean also knew no boundaries. Making him do the right thing was first and formost. He did it a way that even a 16 yr. old couldn't help but have the respect and knowledge to know that it was being done in his best interest and because he loved him. Wall was THE TRUE patriot. If you were a veteran nothing else needed to be said. He would salute you and always say Thank You. No terriost stood a chance. Wall was amember of the American Legion where he was a service officer (Children and Youth was his forte.) Any event we sponsored for the community brought out the kids. Where there were children you would find Uncle Walty doing what he likd best, ( Simon Says ). No child ever walked away without a prize. The smallest of them would look up at him in amazement never afraid, on the contrary, they flocked to him. At any of these events face painting was always a hit. He even tried his hand at that. Being President of The Home Town Heroes meant lots of work overseeing every aspect from awards to music and everything in between. He never complained. His main objective was to make sure all the service men had a good time and that they knew they were appreciated. He greeted every soldier and their families. The work this gentle giant did will not go in vain. I had the honor of being involved in this years event and to watch this man in his element was sheer wonder. I plan to pick up where he left off and continue his good works. If you truely knew Wall you knew of his unwavering belief in God. This is what kept him going. To listen to this man pray sent tingles up my spine. I told him many times he missed his calling. He wasn't just saying the words, he felt every word. Being in the presence of the LORD truely meant something to him. Walters' parents were his rocks thoughout his life. We need to thank thses two wonderful people because without their love we would never have had him for the time we did. Wall was the person he was because of their strong belief in God, doing the right thing and always be yourself. Walls' trademark red white and blue bandana, his Boothill teeshirts and suspenders, his endearing " YO BRO" at the start of a conversation and the " SEE YA" at the end . My life with Wall was cut tragically short on Sept. 20, 2007. Oct. 4, 2007 would have been a year and we were planning many more years to come. He was my rock, my best friend, the love of my life. My memories of that bellowing laugh he gave to us all will be etched in my mind forever. The free spirit in him took us to many places. The friends I was intrduced to are some of the nicest people, all of whom have accepted me lovingly. If you were with Wall you were good people. Because of Wall I have the honor of knowing the most gracious, loving, and accepting family on earth. My sorrow for their loss knows no healing. May God keep my "BIG WALT" at his side. He is watching over us all. I love you my darling.
Michele Novak Thomas
September 26, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Walter was a wonderful person. He was there for our family when my brother Mark died in October of 2002. They were great friends and I know that they are together in heaven. Again my heart goes out to all of you. Know that you raised a wonderful, gentle and compassionate man. His kindness will never be forgotten and he'll always be in our prayers.
Ann Quinn
September 25, 2007
Dear Peggy, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family on the loss of your son. Your an old friend that will never be forgotten from our Minooka days (Cedar & Birney Avenues). God Bless and give you strength and peace.
September 25, 2007
We love you bro.
Bethany Rieder and Tyler Miele
September 25, 2007
I'm sorry for your loss; Walt was a great neighbor and an even greater friend. He will be missed, and remembered always. We should all strive to be more like Walt, a proud American, an active participant in our communities and most importantly a loving and caring person. May God bless Walt and all of us who cared for him. We will never forget Walt or his family.
Cindy Fareri
September 25, 2007
Jill, Meg and Maureen,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all. Our sympathy to Walter's family as well.
Cindy, Tess and Taylor Fareri
Karin Gehris ( Boot Hill)
September 24, 2007
All of us are so saddened by this sudden news as Wall has been an important part of us at the Boot Hill for a good many years. He was one of a kind. We will miss him terribly and his gentle way. Our thoughts and many prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Maggie Nylan
September 24, 2007
Peggy,Walt,Pat & Perih Family,
I am so very very sorry for your loss.
Walt was a great guy who will be missed by many,especially his sense of humor.
If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Robert Connolly
September 24, 2007
Dear Walter Sr, Peggy & the Perih Family, I am sorry to hear about Walter Jr. He will be sadly missed. I became friends with Walter when we played football in the Big 11.(West Scr- Class of 80) His size was very intimidating. But what a gentlemen. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. PS: I believe you new my dad as well - The late Tom "Coon" Connolly
Eleanor O'Donnell
September 24, 2007
Peggy, Walt and family, I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling and I hope all my prayers will help lessen the pain of your loss.
Doug and Sandy Orlando
September 24, 2007
Perih Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
Vera Wroble Pitel
September 24, 2007
Walter, I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I can't imagine what it must feel like to lose a child. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Vera
Laurie (Grab) Traglia
September 24, 2007
Dear Perih Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Walter - my husband and I have been praying for him and for all of you in our rosary. May our Blessed Mother wrap all of you in her mantle of love and may God grant you peace.
Matt and Kathy Orlando
September 24, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Perih,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. A parent should never have to bury thier child. Thinking of you.
Jim Bossi
September 24, 2007
My condolences go out to the family. Walt was a big man with an even bigger heart. He will be missed and remembered by all who crossed his path. I am proud to have known him and even prouder to call him a friend.
Marilyn Serafini
September 23, 2007
Sorry about your Loss. our prayers are with you.
regards from someone from Tech Hi classof54
Rev. Leonard (Butch) & Kesia Gilpin
September 23, 2007
Walter, Peggy and Family,
We are truly sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. May God be with you to comfort, guide and protect through this hardship.
God Bless you,
Julia Holdren-Robinson
September 23, 2007
Dear Perih Family,
Our hearts ache with sadness for all of you. Our high school class of 1979 is now missing someone who was an important part of so many lives and memories. Because of basketball games, football, 16th birthdays!,"spirit week" and reunions in later years, Walter will always be a part of us.
Ron Stevens
September 23, 2007
Our thoughts and prayer's to the family. With deepest sympathy from the Stevens family. 1954 Tech. Graduate with Walt Sr..
Ann (Berardelli) Mazzie
September 23, 2007
Sorry to hear about your loss my prayers are with you and your family, I was in Class of 54.
Marge Campbell Gray
September 23, 2007
Your friends from the Class of 54
Tech HS share in your grief. As you go through this sad time in your life know that we are here for you and pray for your family.
Marge Campbell Gray
Joseph Steitz
September 23, 2007
Walt & Peggy,
I can't tell you how sorry I am tha t I couldn't be there myself. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers for days now. My whole family sends their love and prayers over the loss of such a beloved son.
Emil Pagliari
September 23, 2007
Walt, I am so sorry to hear about your son.
I will say extra prayers for the family.
Emil
John & Nancy Cruger
September 23, 2007
Our loss is Heaven's gain. Those we love are always with us. Their laughter and their wisdom, their advice and thoughtfulness are gifts of love that are ours to keep. May Walt's gifts in addition to his patriotism, Faith in GOD and unselfish acts, comfort and console you.
We will miss him.
Joan Bowling
September 23, 2007
Dear Walt, Sr. and family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Joan Housley Bowling, Tech class of 1954
Walter in his Goofy hat...goofy...the way I'll always remember him!
September 22, 2007
Dorie Shemo (Reviello)
September 22, 2007
I am so very sorry to learn about the loss of Walt. I can not even imagine your pain. I can remember lots of fun times we had, especially skiing. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Rosemary Draim Bajsert
September 22, 2007
Dear Walt Sr.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this sorrowful time. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your son Walt Jr.
Your '54 Classmate,
Rosemary Draim Bajsert
ANITA @ TOM BULLARO
September 22, 2007
WALT AND PEGGY ARE PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, HE WAS A GREAT KID@MAN TO KNOW, WE'ER SO SORRY.
Phil & Pat Froncek
September 22, 2007
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our daughters Kathryn Viola (Weisenfluh) & Jayne Viola(Zeranski) went to high school with Walter. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sorrowful time.
George & Lisa Desatnik
September 22, 2007
Walt will be missed very much, he was a kind hearted man & was a pleasure to be around. Our prayers are with you bro
Joan Duncklee Beard (Tech "54)
September 22, 2007
Many prayers are going your way. May you find peace in God's word.
Anne P. Gilligan
September 22, 2007
Dear Peggy and Family,
My heart aches for all of you.Having lost my 40 yr old, only Son, Bob, 3 1/2 yrs. ago, I know the deep heartache you have right now.
God Bless all of you and I pray you find peace.
Anne Pelsynski Gilligan and Husband Bob
Christine Pritchard
September 22, 2007
Peggy, Walt Sr. and family
I am so sorry for your loss, as you might know our brother passed away Mon., we share your pain.
Our deepest sympathy,
Christine Grogan Pritchard
And the Grogan Family
Kathleen Ruddy
September 22, 2007
Peggy and Walt my prayers will always be with you both. He is now in Heaven.
betsy mercle
September 22, 2007
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was a neighbor when your family lived on Campbell street and always loved walter and your whole family.
Tom Cornine and Samantha Gephart
September 22, 2007
Walt will be missed dearly. Our prayers are with you.
jim -janet steinkirchner
September 22, 2007
Our Deepest Sympathy in the loss of your beloved son.
Classic Crew
September 22, 2007
Meg, Jill, and Mo so sorry for your loss.
Diane Lewis
September 22, 2007
Walter was a gentle giant. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He was a kind and generous man and we will miss him.
The Beemer and Lewis Families.
Phil DePew
September 22, 2007
Walt will be missed by many.
Mary Hession Matunis
September 22, 2007
Dear Perih Family,
Please accept my condolences at the loss of Walter. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. While it has been 22 years since I worked at St. Rita's Parish, I still remember your family fondly.
God Bless you,
carolyn cunningham
September 22, 2007
Ride Free Walt......i am so sorry for your loss, I knew Walt and he was a great person, always made me laugh, He will be always remembered in my heart.....
Rest in peace bro
Carole
Eleanor Troutman
September 22, 2007
So very sorry for your loss.My prayers are with you.
Teddi & Jon Champion & McGrew
September 22, 2007
This is how I'm going to look at it ... You were doing something that you loved - riding your bike in the beautiful state of PA. We are going to miss you sooooo much - say "hi" to my moma for me - we have alot of great memories and we love you!
Teddi & Jon
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