Albert Joseph Perrella Jr.

PERRELLA

ALBERT JOSEPH PERRELLA JR. Captain, USN (Ret.)

Albert "Al" Perrella Jr. passed away at home on Monday, June 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. Al was born in Atlantic City, NJ to Albert J Perrella and Edna A Myhlertz on February 28, 1936.



Al entered the navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet, receiving his commission and his wings in 1957. He served with VF-71 flying the F2H-4 Banshee; VAH squadrons 3, 7, and 1, flying the A3D Skywarrior; and RVAH-11 and 13 flying the RA-5C Vigilante. He participated in multiple combat deployments and was flying with RVAH-11 on the USS Forrestal when fire broke out on the ship in July 1967. He served as Executive and Commanding Officer of RVAH-9, the "Hoot Owls," from April 1973 to April 1975.



During his Naval career he received his bachelor and masters degrees in Engineering Electronics from the Naval Postgraduate School, attended the Naval War College, and served on the Faculty the of the United States Naval Academy where he taught Electrical Engineering. He served tours in the Navy Space Project Office, Office of Naval Research, Sixth Fleet Staff, as Program Manager for Avionics at the Naval Air Systems Command, and as Director of Export Control for OSD. Al retired from the Navy in October 1984. Immediately following retirement from the Navy, he embarked on a second career with the Institute of Defense Analyses. He was an original Plank Owner as a member of the POET Team supporting Ballistic Missile Defense initiatives.



Al met the love of his life, the former Ann James, during a blind date spent waterskiing and drinking Stinger cocktails in July 1959. They were married in August 1960 and had three children together. Following his retirement from IDA he and his bride continued their adventures together with frequent cruises, visiting many exotic places and various ports of call around the world.



Warrior, scholar, husband, and father, Al will be remembered by his family and friends as a modern renaissance man. He is survived by his adoring wife of 62 years, Ann Perrella, his three children Michael Perrella (Debra), William Perrella and Laura Griggs (Daniel); four beloved grandchildren, William Griggs (Jennifer), Anne Griggs, Genevieve Perrella and Ryan Perrella, and his brother Phillip (Epp).



A graveside service with full military honors will be rendered at Arlington National Cemetery, with specifics to be announced at a later date. In remembrance of Al's life, the family requests that in lieu of flowers any charitable donation be made in his name to Fisher House Foundation Inc. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at

www.moneyandking.com