Simsbury Obituary: Anthony Pereira, Jr., 71

Anthony “Tony” Pereira, Jr., 71, of West Simsbury, beloved husband of Maureen (Ganley) Pereira, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 21, 2017.

Born January 8, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Anthony Sr. and Julia (Rausch) Pereira. Tony graduated from Villanova University and went on to a 25-year career with IBM before retirement in 1992. Post-retirement he started his own business, “Clear & Simple,” developing computer software that was widely distributed. He was the go-to “computer guy” for a wide group of friends and family.

Tony was an active parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury for over 35 years, where he was a past Parish Council President and longtime member of the Parish Men’s Club. Tony was passionate about his creative pursuits of dark-room photography and gardening. With his playful competitive spirit, he loved the game of golf as well as bluffing in poker and teaching the game of craps.

He approached challenges with great patience and persistence, applying his keen analytical mind and creativity. He envisioned and built a backyard often filled with friends and family that we now call Pereiradise. He was an avid reader and loved having deep conversations on a wide variety of topics.

In retirement, he loved to observe the theater of nature surrounding him and marveled at the changes in light and season. His joy and excitement truly resonated when watching his children and grandchildren reach milestones. A generous spirit, Tony was a supportive, loving and proud husband and father as well as a wonderful friend to all. He shared a great sense of humor and believed in the enjoyment of life.

Tony leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, four sons; Tony Pereira III (Lucy Burningham) of Portland, OR, Peter Pereira (Aurelie) of North Haven, John Pereira (Sara) of Amityville, NY, Joe Pereira (Megan) of West Simsbury and his daughter; Julie Pereira of New Hampton, NH. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren Oscar, Peter, Ellie, Nora, and Hazel. Brother to Donna Halper (Frank) of Somers Point, NJ; Michael Pereira (Michelle) of Somers Point, NJ; and Renee Heffner (Rich, decd) of Lansdale, PA. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Lomnyczuk (Lummy) of Wyomissing, PA.

Visiting hours will be held at Carmon Funeral Home 301 Country Club Rd, Avon, from 5-8pm on Thursday, December, 28. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 29, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Rd, West Simsbury. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center of Avon will be caring for the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tony’s name to the Rheumatology Research Foundation, www.rheumresearch.org.

For condolences and directions please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.