Robert Perfetti
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The inimitable Robert "Bob" Joseph Perfetti passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at the age of 90 in Johns Creek, GA with his wife by his side, holding his hand. One of four children, Bob was born in Rutland, VT to Clement and Anna Perfetti on February 19, 1931. Upon graduating high school from Mount St. Joseph Academy, Bob joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. Under the G.I. Bill, he graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Electrical Engineering and started his 40-year career with General Electric. Bob was a hard worker with an incomparable work ethic, always determined to provide for his family.
While working in Pittsfield, MA, Bob met JoAnn Stefanon. They married in 1972 and moved to Erie, PA where they had their first daughter, Christina. His job took them to Ebensburg, PA where Maria was born, and ultimately to Duluth, GA in 1986.
Bob's interests were many and varied, and no matter what he did he gave one hundred percent. He was handy around the house and could fix anything. His workshop rivaled that of a small mom and pop hardware store, and we joked that it was cleaner than most people's kitchens. He enjoyed feeding the birds, trying to keep the squirrels at bay, and being able to identify the wildlife in the backyard. He was always an avid card player, whether it be Hearts, Cribbage or Bridge and he looked forward to his three weekly Bridge groups. In addition to staying mentally active, Bob always stayed physically active as well, whether it was playing tennis 'back in the day' or going to the gym several mornings per week as recently as earlier this year (always followed by coffee, an Egg McMuffin and the paper).
Born and raised in the Catholic church, Bob served the people of God however he could for as long as he was able. One of the founding families of St. Benedict's church, Bob served as an usher, lector, and even directed parking lot traffic back in the early days. Perhaps most impactful, he and JoAnn (with Jon Steele) began a Twinning Program with Sacre Coeur Church in Hinche, Haiti which ultimately built a church and medical facility (with a full time doctor and dentist), and brought clean, running water and electricity to this poverty-stricken community. Turning thought to action, he made several trips to Hinche until his health prevented him from continuing to do so. With word traveling quickly in Haiti, Bob's attention was drawn to another church community in need and he initiated a second Twinning Program for Our Lady of Fatima in Bassin Zim, Haiti.
Everyone who knew Bob knew that in addition to being quick-witted, he was extremely kind and generous, and that he loved his family and his friends very much. He lived a life of integrity, a life that mattered.
He is survived by his loving and amazing wife of 49 years, JoAnn, daughters Christina Perfetti (and husband Mike Kasun) of Cumberland, RI and Maria Perfetti of Duluth, GA and brother Paul (and wife Lorraine) Perfetti of Palm Desert, CA. He will forever be in their hearts and missed very much.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Clement and Anna, his brother Richard, sister Claire, and his favorite feline companion, Bailey.
The Perfetti family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful home healthcare and hospice services that allowed Bob to spend his final days in the comfort of his home.
A service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10:30AM at St. Benedict's Church (11045 Parsons Rd., Duluth, Georgia, 30097).
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Benedict chapter of St. Vincent de Paul (checks can be made out to St. Vincent de Paul and mailed to St. Benedict's Church, address above).