Philip Pergola, Jr.

Mr. Philip ‘Phil” Pergola Jr., beloved husband of the late Dorothy T. (Mason) Pergola, passed away Tuesday, August 13th, 2013, at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family. Phil was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Filippo and Sadie (Vitale) Pergola and was one of 16 close-knit children. After graduating from Lynn Classical High School, Phil joined the United States Army. He served our country with pride for thirty-five years, climbing the ranks and earning numerous awards, until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1971. After Phil’s honorable discharge, he worked as a Sales Representative at Armour Foods for over 25 years. Phil was a dedicated member of the North Shore Community Baptist Church in Beverly Farms, Ma. Together, Phil and his late wife, Dottie, revitalized and enthusiastically led the Sunshine Circle for 12 years. It was a favorite monthly luncheon for the local seniors from the community. In addition to Phil’s involvement in the church, he was an active and accomplished Master Mason at the Mosaic Lodge in Danvers, Ma. Lastly, he was a proud member of the Alleppo Shrine Temple of Wilmington, Ma. Phil was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle. He loved to go out to lunch with Dottie at the Clambox and go on scenic drives to Maine. He shared a special bond with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “papa”. The Pergola clan loved family dinners with home-cooked sauce, meatballs and “papa’s bread”. He was a true friend to many; his generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness were admirable and he could easily light up a room. Over the years, Phil shared his love for painting and art with friends and family. His favorite paintings were of lighthouses and boat scenes on rocks that he and Dottie gathered on Rye Beach in New Hampshire. Phil is survived by his three daughters, Nancy Flaherty, Dorothy Farr and her husband Peter, Debra Jones and her husband Robert, and his son, Philip Pergola and his wife Susan. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Joe, Kristen, Kimberly, Michael, Kerry, Stephen, P. Jay, and Bradford, his 6 brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. ARRANGEMENTS: – His funeral service will be held in the North Shore Community Baptist Church, 9 Hart Street, Beverly Farms Friday, August 23rd, at 9 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Visiting hours will be held at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors. 28 Elm Street, Danvers Square, Danvers, Thursday, August 22nd, from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to donate do so to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.