Obituary: Joseph Pero, 94, longtime East Haven resident

Obituary courtesy of East Haven Memorial Funeral Home:

Joseph Pero, 94 of Guilford, formerly of East Haven died peacefully with his family at his side. Joe was the loving husband of 71 years to Shirley Lane Pero. Shirley and Joe lived in the Momauguin section of East Haven for most of their lives and spent many days enjoying the shoreline of East Haven. Joe was a butcher and carpenter by trade and had many successful businesses. Together, he and Shirley built a loving family.

Joe was a member of the East Haven Democratic Town Committee in the 60’s and 70’s serving as the Co-Captain of District 2. He loved sports cars especially his yellow E-type Jaguar, his silver Mercedes 450SL and his Alfa-Romeo Veloce Spider. Joe had a love for Italian food, and his signature dish was steak appizzaiola. He was an ace at playing gin-rummy and loved challenging friends.

Beside his loving Wife Shirley, Joe is survived by his son James and his wife Claudia Forslund Pero of Madison, Daughter Claudia Pero-McNeil of New Haven, Brother Orazio (Bitzy) Pero of Deland, FL, and Sister Joanne (John) Pernal of NY, predeceased by sister Benvenuta (Bea) (Mickey) Sorvillo of East Haven and bother Michael (Gloria) Pero of New Haven. He leaves his Grandchildren Dr. Gillian (Nathaniel) Soles of Sacramento, CA, Jordan (Dr. Christopher) Morrison of Atlanta, GA, Jeffrey (Kelsey) Pero of Branford, David (Tina) Pero of East Hampton, CT, and Chelsey Pero of Branford. Joe is also survived by Great-Grandchildren Londyn, Remington, Gabriela Pero and Cameron Morrison and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

There are no calling hours, and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. East Haven Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s honor to Our Community Hero’s Incorporated (a non-profit-tax deductible organization which sends care packages to deployed veterans) PO Box 401 North Branford, CT 06471, or may be sent to the funeral home.