Obituary of Guy Persico, Sr.

COEYMANS - Guy Persico, Sr., age 95, passed away at his residence onFriday, December 14, 2012after a long illness. Born in Coeymans onMay 2, 1917, he was son of the late Salvatore and Assunta Molella Persico. Guy was a lifelong resident of Coeymans and Ravena. He graduated fromRavenaHigh School. Guy held several jobs before going into the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served in thePhilippinesand was honorably discharged as a Motor Machinist's Mate. Following service, he returned to Ravena and established Persico Oil Company, a home heating and fuel oil business. In 1983, Guy purchased Cronin's Hardware in Ravena and built a new location. The store, now known as Persico Hardware, held its grand opening in the new building in September of 1984. Both businesses remain in operation today, under succeeding generations of the Persico family. Guy served as a Town Councilman in Coeymans for 34 years. He was a Fourth Degree member of Mother McAuley Council Knights of Columbus, member of the former Bethlehem Elks Lodge, member of Unitas Memorial Post VFW of Ravena, member of Ravena American Legion, honorary member of Coeymans Fire Company and Ravena Hose Company, member of the RCS Sports Association. Guy is survived by his wife, Roberta Bourguignon Persico; four children, Judith (John) Frangella, Patricia (George) Orsino, Donald (Susan) Persico and Guy Persico, Jr.; seven grandchildren, John and Brian Frangella, Maria and Joseph Orsino, Laura, Julie and Joseph Persico; one brother, Salvatore "Sam" Persico; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Guy was predeceased by five siblings, Mary Dardani, Adella Frangella, Gene Persico, Edith Fisk and Daniel Persico. Calling hours will be Monday from4to8 p.m.at Pero Memorial Funeral Home,9 Main Street, Ravena. The funeral will be Tuesday at9 a.m.at St. Patrick's Church,21 Main Street, Ravena, followed by burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Coeymans. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Patrick's Church, the Ravena Rescue Squad or the Coeymans Fire Company will be appreciated. Arrangements by A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home,Greenville. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.