Joseph “Joe” Anthony Perna IV

PERNA

Joseph Anthony Perna IV, age 83, on July 22, 2026, of Media, PA, formerly of Springfield, PA.

Joe Perna peacefully passed away at his home in Media among his family.

Like his beloved garden which took on a greater presence than the house it surrounded, our father had a quiet yet forceful nature. Our family was the center of his world, gently nurtured by him with firm awareness. His guidance was delivered with humility, patience, strength and confidence, not as answers or lectures, but with empathy and without judgment.

He didn’t have much need for worldly things; he found happiness in a garden, his work, books, and family. He enjoyed intentional conversation which at times would succumb to the weight of his passionate stance on a matter. His grandchildren were the spring from which much of his joy came during the last four decades of his life. He gave all of himself when with them, fully present, making them feel that nothing else mattered in the time they shared together.

Independent by virtue, he was guided by a deep regard for informed and reasonable thought, leveraging his practical mind against the storms life sent him. He was a problem-solver who took responsibility for the care of others and situations before him, be it in work or personal life, with strict accountability and never sought to be celebrated for it. He was calming that way, a grand model for those in his care.

Dad, pop-pop, brother, friend; his humble disposition was remarkable to us. His physical presence will be missed deeply; his impact will endure.

Predeceased by his wife, Joan M. (nee Baionno) Perna, his parents, Erma (nee Primavera) and Joseph T. Perna, and his in-laws, Joe Lacey and Marianne Perna.

Survived by his children, Deborah Basher (Lawrence), Joseph, Lisa Keenan (Patrick), and Matthew (Catherine), his five grandchildren, his two great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Linda Lacey and Robert Perna (Cary).

Relatives and Friends are invited to his Visitation, Friday, July 31st, 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM followed by his Funeral Service 1:00 PM in the Main Chapel at the DAnjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions in Joseph’s memory may be made to Tyler Arboretum at https://tylerarboretum.org/support/

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

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