Gino Angelo Perini

Gino A. Perini, a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 96 after a brief hospice stay. Born March 10, 1927 in Detroit to John and Angelina (Marchesi) Perini, Gino grew up in Hamtramack, MI and graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1945. He played basketball on a championship team during high school that made it to the state finals. Gino served in the U.S. Army 1946 to 1947 as a clerk typist. Gino and his first wife, Margaret, met on a blind date and raised their four children in a new subdivision in Royal Oak, MI in the 50s, 60s and 70s at a time when Baby Boomers were beginning to prosper and modest home developments sprouted everywhere. It was a wonderful experience for the kids and parents who made lifelong friends during those years.

Gino attended the University of Detroit/Mercy in his 30s while raising his large family and working. The family and neighborhood joyfully celebrated his Magna Cum Laude honors when his B.S. degree was earned. Gino spent most of his career years as a proud employee at Chevrolet/General Motors including Chevrolet Gear and Axle Plant, the Argonaut Building in downtown Detroit and the GM Tech Center in Warren, MI. In fact, it was at the GM Tech Center that Gino met his second wife, Ann, a nurse working in the health clinic, when she ran into the back of his car in the parking lot.

From a young age Gino had a strong fondness for sports and was good at most of them. He was still golfing at age 92 and often cheered on his favorite hockey team, the Red Wings. Gino played poker every month for decades with a regular group of guys and enjoyed bowling in both mixed leagues and men’s leagues. Ann and Gino spent many years making friends and traveling around the country while he played Senior Softball. “The Clique” of husbands and wives made every ball game a spirited outing, one year culminating in the National Championship trophy. In his later years he developed a liking for Coors Light, especially if it was served at the American Legion on Thirsty Thursdays. Trips to the Legion became a great source of pleasure for getting out and reminiscing about days at the ball diamond while catching up on each other’s families. The bonds he built over all those years brought him great satisfaction.

One enduring tradition for the Perini family has been an annual camping trip dubbed The Perini Weekend. Ann, Gino, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have shared summer vacations by the lake for 32 years using tents, campers and RVs. The family has collected numerous photos of special times around the campfire or beach where Grandpa Gino/Papaw is laughing, smiling and talking. His good nature and caring personality will be missed. His legacy is a loving close knit family that made him very proud.

Gino is survived by his wife, Ann (Edmondson), of 38 years. He was the proud father/stepfather of Catherine (Bill) Korreck, John (Joan), Robert (Gayle), Daniel (Lorrie) and stepchildren Stephen Watts and Rebecca Watts. Gino was the caring grandfather of Daniel Perini, Jr., Jenelle (Jason) Moul, Andrea (William) Koehler, Michael (Brenna), Brandon (fiancée Jenna Kraatz), Austin and Gilina. For over 24 years, Gino was “Gramps” to Jessica and Sydney Berger. He will be fondly remembered by great grandchildren Charlotte, Mckenzie, Landon, Alexis, Louis, Evelyn, Liam, Lennon, Maxwell, Alexander and Casey. Uncle Gene is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Gino was predeceased by his wife Margaret (LaFraniere) in 1982 and sisters Christina Faleris and Teresa Ghinelli.

Visitation Hours will be held Friday, December 8 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lee Ellena Funeral Home at 46530 Romeo Plank Rd, Macomb, MI 48044. Funeral service to be held on Saturday, December 9 at the funeral home 11:00 a.m.

If you prefer, in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in Gino’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org/ or to The American Legion https://www.legion.org/

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