Norman N. Perenick, 88
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Norman Nicholas Perenick, 88, of North Adams, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015.
Born in North Adams on July 7, 1926, he was the oldest of five children of Salvatore and Rosalie Mancuso Perenick, who had immigrated from Italy at a very early age. He attended the former Houghton Grammar School and Drury High School.
A veteran of World War II, he and his cousin John Mancuso joined the military after graduating from high school. Mr. Perenick joined the Merchant Marines; his cousin joined the Navy and died in the Pacific at the age of 19 after being wounded in action.
He also served for many years in the Massachusetts National Guard, North Adams K Company, obtaining the rank of sergeant.
Mr. Perenick was employed by state Department of Natural Resources and was assigned to various projects in Berkshire County, including as assistant manager at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in North Adams, a job he enjoyed and retired from after 25 years of service.
He had earlier established an excellent reputation for outstanding work ethic at Berkshire County construction companies, enjoying his work as a carpenter and commuting to distant locations and projects when employment was limited in the local area. He worked at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, the Prudential Building in Boston, the Niagara Power Plant in Buffalo, N.Y., and as a lifeguard at the famous Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Fla.) Hotel.
He was an excellent swimmer, avid skier, enjoyed cooking, eating, travelling, horse shoes, bocce, long walks with his dog and working.
He leaves three brothers, Francis Perenick of Springfield, Charles Perenick of Hull and William Perenick and his wife, Betty, of Readsboro, Vt; a sister, Catherine Zelazo of Adams, and many loving nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Perenick will be celebrated Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.