Anthony J.   DiPerrio

Anthony J. DiPerrio, 82, of First Street, Misquamicut, R.I., died March 28 at the Westerly Hospital, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was the husband of Anna “Nina” DiPerrio. They had been married for 56 years.

Besides his cherished wife Nina, he leaves a son and daughter-in-law Anthony J. DiPerrio and Nancy B. DiPerrio of Sandy Hook, a son and daughter-in-law Michael F. DiPerrio and Robin White of Newton, Mass.; daughter, Roberta A. DiPerrio of Westerly, R.I.; and his adoring granddaughters, Katie, Robin, Nina, and Lydia. He was the brother of William DiPerrio of Venice, Fla., Robert DiPerrio of Jefferson, Mass., and Raymond DiPerrio of Holden, Mass.

He was predeceased by his brother George DiPerrio.

Born in Holden, Mass., on June 30, 1921, he was the son of the late Biaggio DiPerrio and Antoinetta (D’Amato) DiPerrio. He had lived in Torrington until 1979, when he retired to his beloved Misquamicut summer residence. He attended schools in Holden, Mass., and served in the Civilian Conservation Corps for three years.

Mr DiPerrio was the owner of Western Connecticut Auto Electric Company, Inc, and Ramada Enterprises Inc of Torrington at the time of his retirement.

He enlisted in the US Army on December 8, 1941, and served during World War II in New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines between 1941 and 1945. A combat veteran in the war, he was proud to have assisted in organizing the first Base Motor Command in the Philippines under the direction of the Inspector General, as acting Sergeant Major. Mr DiPerrio contracted malaria in the South Pacific and was discharged on October 3, 1945.

He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed golfing, fishing, and gardening.

The funeral was held March 31 from Rushlow-Iacoi Funeral Home, 64 Friendship Street, Westerly, R.I., with a Christian Funeral Mass at the Church of the Saint Clare, 4 Saint Clare Way, Misquamicut, R.I.

Interment will be private.

Contributions in Mr DiPerrio’s name can be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 169 George Street, Pawtucket RI 02860.

The Newtown Bee        April 2, 2004