Anthony "Tony" Joseph Perna

Anthony Perna entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on April 26, 2024. He fought a long and courageous battle against heart disease, but passed away peacefully at home with his son by his side. The family will have a Catholic Graveside Memorial Service at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on May 20th.

Mr. Perna was born May 31st, 1953 in Somerville, New Jersey. He was the youngest child of proud parents Anthony Rocco Perna and Ellen Patricia Perna, who preceded him in death. Anthony was proud to be a First Generation American, with his father, Anthony, hailing from Italy and his mother, Ellen, from Ireland.

Anthony is survived by his son, Benjamin Lawrence Perna of Macon, Georgia. He is also survived by one sister, Mary Patricia McNealy and her husband Rod of Hillsborough, New Jersey, and one brother Michael John Perna of Stuart, Florida. He will be greatly missed by two nieces, Mary Czarnecki of Sherwood, Oregon and Rebecca McNealy of Skokie, Illinois.

After graduating from Bernard’s High School, New Jersey, Mr. Perna attended the University of Dayton, Ohio and later transferred to West Virginia Institute of Technology. During College he worked at the local International Harvester Equipment Company.

Mr. Perna earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1981. He went on to have a very successful career at the Ralston Purina Company, Dry Branch Kaolin Company, and recently retired from Blue Bird Bus Company in Fort Valley, Georgia. While at Blue Bird, Anthony authored several technical manuals and traveled internationally teaching seminars.

Anthony loved spending his time at his country home in Jones County, Georgia with his son Ben, and their beloved pets. He loved being outside surrounded by nature, and enjoyed working on his cars, riding four wheelers, and building and driving remote controlled vehicles. He also enjoyed target shooting and was an avid firearm and knife enthusiast. Most of all he enjoyed being a father and spending time with his son. His son is very grateful for all of the time he was able to spend with Anthony and for all of the wisdom that was passed down to him. He will be greatly missed.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of arrangements.