Vincent J. “Jimmy” Perna, 85, of Hammonton, N.J. passed away Tuesday January 30, 2024 in Galloway Twp. N.J. “Jimmy” was born and raised in Hammonton, was a graduate of Hammonton High School class of 1956, played varsity football and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Trenton Teachers College in 1960. Following college, he took on his given name Vince and began his career as a teacher in Cherry Hill, N.J. where he quickly became involved with the state school employee union, the NJEA. He was then hired as an NJEA UniServ Rep in Bergen County serving Northern N.J. for many years. Vince embraced his newfound home, was an active volunteer for Ramsey Junior Football Association and Ramsey Baseball Association, where he coached his beloved “Falcons. Eventually, he returned to his roots in South Jersey to live in Hammonton and work in Atlantic and Cape May counties. His passion for his work was what kept him going. Still actively employed, working with associations in Atlantic City, Pleasantville and Buena (to name a few). His unwavering dedication to public school employees was not only demonstrated by his commitment to being one of the longest serving NJEA representatives, but also his constant perseverance to go above and beyond for those he served. He truly enjoyed family gatherings for holiday events and sitting outside by the fire pit, with a cigar in hand. He loved the N.J. “shore” and in his later years the coast of Southern Maine. Additionally, he was an avid sports fan, rooting for the Eagles and the Phillies.
He is predeceased by his parents, James and Angelina (nee Moffa) Perna. Surviving are his wife, Betty Hickey; children, Timothy J. Perna (Limin Zhang), Susan L. Nachinson (Scott) and Dean J. Perna (Gisella Cosentino), Ross A. Hickey (Bethany), Erin J. Hickey (Sam Higgins), Cynthia Brito and Alexis C. Rudisel; as well as his 12 grandchildren, Rachel, Jacob, Alyssa, Amanda, Aaron, Collin, William, Anastasia, Katherine, Alexander, Nola and Violet. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald Perna (Eleanor); and his former wife, and mother of his children Sara J. Perna.
Relatives and friends were invited to attend visitation and a Celebration of his Life Tuesday, February 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a brief service at Marinella Funeral Home, 102 N. Third St., Hammonton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vince’s memory to the Kids In Need Of Desks (K.I.N.D) fund:
https://www.unicefusa.org/what-unicef-does/childrenseducation/kids-need-desks-kind. To share condolences please visit www.marinellafuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Marinella Funeral Home.