Henry P. Perla

LEOMINSTER- Henry P. Perla, 91, of Leominster, died Tuesday, January 3, in his home, after an illness. He was born July 5, 1925, in Leominster, son of the late Nazzareno and Elvira (Spinelli) Perla. Mr. Perla served in the US Navy in the Pacific, during WWII as an aviation electrician’s mate, 2nd Class. He owned and operated Perla Electrical Company, Inc. for many years, retiring in 2004. He was a member of the National Electric Contractors of America. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 406, the VFW, and was a founder of Leominster Credit Union. Mr. Perla was an active and dedicated member of St. Anna’s Church. He was a tremendous asset to the Parish, an exemplar Catholic in his own unique way, and a man with great devotion. He was also actively involved in Father DiOrio’s Healing Ministry. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his first wife, Christine Calandrino, his step mother, Concetta Perla, brother, Salvatore “Muzzy” Perla and his wife, Frances, sisters, Mary Ritacco and her husband, Albert, and Rina Ritacco and her husband, William. He leaves his wife of 11 years, Elizabeth Rousseau Perla; one son, Paul John Perla of Gardner; five stepchildren; one brother, Robert Perla and his wife, Pauline of Leominster; three grandchildren, Jon-Paul Perla, Deanna Marie Perla, and Christian Paul Perla; great grandson, Joshua Bibeau; several step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. A calling hour will be held Monday, January 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. in Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 A.M. in St. Anna’s Church, 194 Lancaster St., Leominster. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anna’s School, 213 Lancaster St., Leominster, MA 01453.