Francis John Perella

Frank was born on May 12, 1939, in Downingtown, PA to Anthony and Assunta (Sue) Perella. On June 14, 1964, he married Rita Mae Mulligan in Sacramento, CA. Frank served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and during his career flew in the C-135, C-141 and F-4. After retiring from the Air Force, Frank had a second career with IBM in Tampa, FL and Durham, NC, retiring in 2000. During his retirement, he volunteered for 13 years at St. Joseph’s and University Community Hospitals.

Frank was an avid racquetball player in his younger years. More recently, he enjoyed golf, pickleball and skeet shooting. Together, he and Rita were passionate ballroom dancers and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Frank’s outgoing nature quickly turned strangers to friends, and he was never happier than when his large family gathered for holidays or events. He delighted in his grandchildren, and was often the first one to sneak them candy and treats when their parents weren’t looking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Lucy Anne. He is survived by his wife, Rita, his brother, Bernie, his five children, Angela (Jeff Bryant), Teresa, John (Heather), Paul (Holly), and Jennifer (Nick Harmer) and his nine grandchildren, Alyssa, AJ, Lily, Sydney, Craig, Avery, Oliver, Summer and Henry.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 North Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Meals on Wheels of Tampa Bay or St. Lawrence Catholic Church.