Joseph James Perretta

Joseph James (Jim) Perretta, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday April 30, 2021 with his loving family by his side.

He was born on October 5, 1934 in Utica, NY, son of the late Joseph and Louise (Verni) Perretta. Jim was a 1952 graduated of UFA and attended MVCC, Utica College and the International Correspondence School. James served faithfully in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Bushnell Submarine Tender, in Key West, FL and New London, CT subbase.

Jim was employed by The New York State DOT, Highway Engineers and associated with the Mohawk Valley Chapter of Land Surveyors.

Jim was united in marriage to Claire Ann Giehl on January 9, 1960 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a loving relationship of 52 years until her passing in 2011. Jim was a loving and devoted husband and father to his family. His true passion was working on his antique classic cars. He won numerous awards for his cars but his pride and joy was his “1955 Black Thunderbird.” He sold his car in 1960 so he could wed his soulmate Claire. After many years he located the same 1955 Thunderbird and restored it to pristine condition.

Surviving are his beloved children, one loving daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Anibal Martini of Morris Plains, NJ; one loving son Brian Edward Perretta of Sebastian, FL; three cherished grandchildren, Alexandra and Amanda Martini and Victoria and husband Steven Cieslica; also to mourn are his sisters, Dorothy Scambelluri of CT., and Bonnie Wdowiak of New Hartford; his nieces and nephews Lisa Braman of CT, Craig Scambelluri of CA. and Anitra Alvarez of PA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum next to his beloved wife Claire Ann.  The family extends a special thank you to Thomas Roberts, and his beloved Anna Hulster for their devotion, affection and friendship.