Obituary of Joseph S. Perrucci

Joseph S. Perrucci of Apalachin, NY passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at age 94. He was born in Meriden, CT, Nov. 19, 1927. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Catherine and Joseph Perrucci; sisters, Millie Nutter (John), Betty Smith (Ellison) and brothers, Anthony and Arthur. Surviving are his wife,Beverly Kniskern-Perrucci and brothers, David (Frances) of Ft. Lauderdale, Eugene (New Mexico), sister-in-law Joyce Jones (Texas) and numerous nephews and nieces who he dearly loved. Joe served in the Army during WWII stationed with the occupation in Nagasaki, Japan. He graduated from Purdue University with an engineering degree and was employed at Endicott IBM for over 35 years. He was a member of TriCities Pilot Assn, Winter Haven Pilot Assn, Aeroguidance Society, lifetime member of the Soaring Society of America and award-winning member of the Fife and Drum Corp. of Meriden, Ct as a teenager. After retirement he operated Perrucci Aviation, TriCities Airport where he provided glider rides, instruction, and banner towing. He flew thousands of flights. Later in life he enjoyed flying RC models here and Florida. He built a sailplane which hung many years in the Elmira Soaring Museum at Harris Hill. Then he built his lovely RV-4 airplane which he flew to his winter home in Winter Haven, Fl. He continued flying with his wife throughout Central Florida for more than 25 years until his health failed. All who knew him were blessed with his aviation knowledge and willingness to share with others. Being his friend could change your life in so many wonderful ways. He was an extraordinary man, a dear and loving husband, and a special Uncle Joey to his family. There will be a Mass in Florida with his family at a later date. Interment will be at Riverhurst Cemetery in Endwell, NY. Donations to his memory may be made to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Elmira NY or Mercy House, Endicott, NY.