William Perrella

William Perrella, 93, died January 24, 2015 in St. Joseph Hospital.

Born in Reading on July 20, 1921, he was a son of the late Nicola and Filomena (Prioriello) Perrella.

William emigrated to Italy in 1927 at the age of 6. He grew up in Boiano, Italy, raised by his aunt, Angelina Prioriello, after the death of his mother.

He graduated from Magistrali (Teacher's College) and taught elementary school for several years.

William served in the Italian Army during WWII, fighting with the Allied Force for the liberation of Italy.

He returned to Reading in 1948 at the age of 27 and worked at the Berkshire Knitting Mills. He moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1953 where he worked for many years at American Can Company. After retirement, he worked as a messenger in New York City. William returned to Reading in October 2014, residing at Columbia Cottage, Wyomissing. He enjoyed outings to places where he could reminisce about Reading of the 1940's.

He was an avid walker and soccer fan.

William is survived by two brothers, Remo, husband of Assunta (Caira) of Cranford, NJ and Emilo of Wyomissing and two nephews, Mark Perrella of Cumming, GA and Lt. Col. Paul Perrella, Cranford, NJ and their families.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.