Vincent "Vinnie" Joseph Perri

How do you convey the love and appreciation you have for a father that gave you everything.... far beyond materialistic things. To know my father was to know a man of profound love, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication. He gave me the tools to live a meaningful life, the wisdom to navigate its challenges, and the courage to follow my passions. At 2 years of age, I already shared my father’s love for music. He had an ear for music that evoked deep passion and emotion. The record collection he passed on to me was not just a collection of vinyl—it was a collection of emotions, stories, and lessons. Together, we experienced the magic of Broadway, ballets, concerts, and symphonies. Through these experiences, he taught me to appreciate art, not just as entertainment but as a reflection of the human spirit. It was for this reason alone that I began to sing. As my interests expanded, my father was there to witness every step. Sundays were spent taking me to my riding lesson for many years. He watched intently, encouraging me when I faltered and ready to run into the ring if I was thrown off my horse, which was often in the beginning. His presence gave me the confidence to persevere and get right back on. My father was also my teacher in the practicalities of life. He taught me how to change a tire, check the oil in my car, and listen to the subtle sounds of my car that usually revealed a mechanical issue. He wanted me to be independent and ensure I would never fall victim to a dishonest mechanic. I accompanied my father to work on Saturdays and watched him work on cars. I learned from his example. He didn’t just teach me how to fix things—he taught me how to solve problems, think critically, and take pride in my work. Everything my father worked on at home, I observed and took mental notes. Eventually, I took the hammer into my hand to demo, repair, construct, or redesign each of the apartments and/or houses I have lived in on my own. He always offered constructive criticism with every project I undertook. His creativity and craftsmanship touched every corner of my life. As a 2nd year teacher, I had the wild idea of creating an interactive classroom for my students (long before they were the norm). My father was the one who helped me bring it to life. We worked all weekend building something unique, and when I told him how much my students loved it, he beamed with pride. We shared a love for dogs, meaningful discussions about politics, religion, education, and anything we felt important to share with the other, always looking for a distinct perspective and to find deeper meaning, and an appreciation of films that celebrated resilience and hope. Films such as Patton, Chariots of Fire, Hidden Figures, and HUNDREDS more gave way to lengthy conversations about integrity, honor, courage, and respect not only the characters in the films demonstrated but also people we encountered in our lives with these same characteristics. My father may not have held any higher degrees, but his intelligence was rooted in intuition, practicality, and a natural curiosity that could not be taught. He was analytical yet deeply empathetic, always ready to share a new perspective or find deeper meaning in the world around him. This was his being. To both my parents' credit, they were my first teachers. I have made many mistakes; some I have learned from and others I continue to struggle with. I have made decisions after exhaustive research and others from my heart. Whether these life-changing decisions were good, bad, or indifferent, my father supported me through everyone I made, whether I succeeded or failed. He never judged me for my mistakes but helped me to learn from them. He helped me find my voice because he understood I needed to be heard. My father was a man of integrity, honor, courage, and respect. These were not just words to him; they were the foundation of how he lived his life and how he taught me to live mine. Now, with more years behind me than in front of me, I pray I am able to live a comparable life to his: full, meaningful, and impactful. No one will ever understand the magnitude of loss I feel but I take comfort in knowing his legacy lives on in every lesson he taught me, every value he instilled, and every memory we shared. Daddy, I love you. I will forever be grateful for your love, your guidance, and your belief in me. I pray for peace, forgiveness, and for the restorative love for our Lord to comfort us all. Thank you, with all my heart, thank you. Forever grateful, Patricia