LACONIA ---- Ralph "RIP" Irving Perrino, 81, of Laconia, New Hampshire, passed on to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at home following an extended illness with his loving family by his side.
Ralph was born on October 8, 1943, in Lynn, MA to Pasquale and Marjorie Perrino. He spent most of his years growing up in Hialeah, Florida. He moved to Pittsfield, NH for his senior year. He excelled in school and in both soccer and track. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in the class of 1961.
He traveled all over the New England and Canada competing in Snowshoe Racing for which he won multiple trophies and awards including the World Championship. He spent a few years working at the Tannery in Pittsfield, NH while putting himself through college. He helped develop courses in Water and Conservation and was President of his Class at the Thomson School of Business. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Water and Soil Science from UNH. He was also an essential part of the UNH Soccer team.
In March of 1967, he met the love of his life, Sally Berry, while she was working as a hairdresser in Laconia, NH. They were married a few short months later on August 27, 1967. They lived in Pittsfield, NH for a brief time before moving to a "fixer upper" on Center Street where they resided for over 56 years and raised their family. There were many who moved away and some that came back but one thing for sure was Sally and Rip would be there to greet them or answer the phone anytime anyone wanted to venture home as they were a constant in the life of many.
He entered the plumbing/heating/electricity field and worked his way up to Master Plumber/Electrician. He owned his own business, Perrino's Plumbing, and worked for over 50 years. His reputation for integrity and craftsmanship was known throughout the Lakes Region and beyond. He had many friends, business associates and fellow trade workers whom he talked about frequently and considered his closest friends. He was a man of honor and those who knew him respected and loved him as he did them.
He entered the Army Reserve unit early in his marriage and attended boot camp in Leonard Wood, MI, where he became an E5 Sargent. He met his longtime friend Mike Catron and his wife Pat during boot camp. The two became fast friends and raised their families together. It was then that he found his Lord and Savior.
Ralph and Sally attended a few bible studies and small churches. The first was located in their living room. They were happy to open their home to anyone that needed it. Later on, he and Sally became members of Grace Presbyterian Church where he served as a Ruling Elder for many years. This church was instrumental in their growth and where they brought their family up in the Lord.
He was a true family man. He loved his wife and children and was so proud of them. He worked tirelessly but still spent many nights at the various fields either coaching or supporting his children's sporting events. He sponsored many local teams that got to sport the light blue, "Perrino's Plumbing" shirt. He had many "bonus" kids he helped raise along the way. He was a father-figure to all that needed one and even those who didn't think they did. He was tough with the lectures, but you knew that meant he cared and loved you. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren and all those he helped raise. The Perrino door was always open for those who needed an ear to listen, a couch to sleep on or some Dad (or Mom) advice.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Sally Perrino of 58 years, his daughter, Tonya Perrino of Laconia, NH, three sons, Rick Perrino and his wife Danielle of Sanbornton, NH, Daniel Perrino and Stephen Perrino and his wife Corrianne of Belmont, NH as well as ten grandchildren, Nolen and Milee Perrino, Dredan and Declan Perrino, Xavier, Sophia and Charlotte Littizzio and Stevie, Owen and Sophia Perrino as well as constant companion, his Pug Callie.
He is also survived by his older brother, Peter Perrino and wife Peggy of Clayton, NC, his two sisters Marcia Perrino Moylan and husband John of St Cloud, FL and Linda Perrino Evans and companion Bill Guilmette of Frederick, MD. He has a large extensive family to include the Berry family, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews that hold a special place in his heart, particularly his niece, Patrica Swain Gunn and his nephew, Shannon Swain whom he helped raise and loved as his own.
He is preceded in death by his father, Pasquale Perrino and his mother Majorie (Perrino) Wallace.
Calling Hours will be held on March 14, 2025, from 4:00pm-6:00pm, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00pm, at Living Hope Church, 50 Washington Street, Laconia, NH.
A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the service with location to be determined at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests making a memorial donation in Ralph's name to the “Hannah Chaignot Scholarship” at inter-lakesscholarshipfoundation.com or by mailing a check to “Hannah Chaignot Scholarship” to Inter-Lakes Scholarship Foundation at P.O. Box 545, Meredith, NH, 03253. This is the daughter of his special Hospice LNA, Cassie Foley, who took such good care of him.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and Cremation Services/603Cremation.com, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.