Joseph "Joe" M. Perazella (1930–2026) passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Joe was born on December 5, 1930, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the son of Joseph and Helen Perazella. He grew up in Waterbury with his sisters, Barbara and Dolores, and his brother, Ronald, and from an early age made his mark with family and many close friends.

Joe attended Slocum Grammar School and went on to Leavenworth High School, where he was a highly skilled basketball player and star forward (#17). His team won the Connecticut State High School Basketball Championship and ultimately captured the New England High School Basketball Championship at the Boston Garden in 1947.

After high school, Joe trained in architectural design and worked as a builder. In 1952, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. He served aboard the USS Briareus (AR-12) and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal before receiving an honorable discharge in 1954.

Following his military service, Joe met the love of his life, Santina Marie Bruttomesso of Torrington, Connecticut. They married on April 7, 1956, beginning a love story that would span nearly 70 years. Together they started their family in Prospect, Connecticut, in a home Joe built himself as an expert carpenter. They later moved to Waterbury, where they raised their three sons — Joseph, Mark, and Scott.

Joe and Santina provided a warm, loving home, raising their boys to be good, honest, and hardworking men. Joe's support was constant and unconditional, present in both their successes and their mistakes. He worked tirelessly to provide them with strong educations and opportunities, and their accomplishments were a source of immense pride for him.

Family was everything to Joe. He did love a family gathering featuring a good bowl of pasta, in particular homemade cheese raviolis, followed by a good cup of coffee with Italian pastry. Sunday breakfast highlighted by eggs, potatoes and bacon were a ritual. Holidays — Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and New Year's — were filled with delicious meals, laughter, and joy. Christmas Eve was especially cherished, bringing extended family together in anticipation of a visit from Santa Claus. Joe also deeply loved the family dogs — Lady, Nuba, and Spike — and mourned each of them when they reached the end of their lives. His family continued to grow with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom adored their Papa.

Joe was a hardworking man throughout his life. He began his career working alongside his father, brother Ron, and brother-in-law Bob Chiocchio in the family trucking business. He later worked as a burner repairman for GEM Burner Service and eventually as a carpenter and kitchen designer at Lewis Millwork and Cabinetry.

There was very little Joe couldn't do with his hands. He built home additions, renovated bathrooms, installed cabinets and wood floors, laid tile, hung lighting, built fireplaces, installed appliances, and fixed whatever needed fixing. This generosity extended well beyond his own home — Joe never said no when family or friends needed help.

A devout Roman Catholic, Joe served as a Mass commentator at St. Anthony's Parish and taught Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) classes, emphasizing spiritual growth, character, and service to others. He was actively involved in parish fundraising efforts to support the clergy. After moving to Boynton Beach, Joe and Santina became parishioners at St. Thomas More Parish. Saturday evenings often ended with cappuccino and pastries at Palermo's Bakery, shared with their dear friend Rosie.

Joe was predeceased by his sister Barbara and her husband Robert Chiocchio, and by his sister Dolores and her husband Dino Biolo.

He is survived by his beloved wife Santina; his brother Ronald and wife Joyce; his sons Joseph and wife Alaire, Mark and wife Donna, and Scott; his grandchildren Joseph, Nicholas, Brianna, Mark, Andrew, Gina, Michael, and Sophia; and his great-grandchildren Jackson, Leo, Mila, Michael, Elyss, and Hannah.

They all love him deeply, miss him dearly, and will forever cherish the many good times they shared with him.