Obituary of David W. Perfetti

David W. Perfetti 75, of Homer, NY died May 5, 2012 at Cortland Regional Medical Center after a valiant struggle with a long-term illness. He was born in Cortland, NY on January 1, 1937.He graduated from Cortland High School, Siena College and New York Law School. He practiced law in Cortland for over 40 years, the last 15 with hiseldest son. He was active in Democratic politics serving as counsel to Speaker Anthony Travia in the NYS Assembly, Corporation Counsel to the city of Cortland, County Attorney,and Homer Village Attorney. He was a member of the Cortland Exchange Club, San Rocco, past Exalted Ruler of the Cortland Elks Lodge #748, a member of the Cortland Country Club, the musician's union, and a member of the Old Timer's Band since the age of 13. He was a communicant of St. Margaret's Church in Homer. He is survived byhis wife, Margaret Morgan Perfetti andtheir five children: Patrick Perfietti (Carol), MaryKiernan (Thomas), Timothy Perfetti (Lisa), Michael Perfetti (Sara), and LuciaPerfetti-Clark (Timothy). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Mairead, HughSeamus, and David Kiernan, Joel and David William Perfetti II, Madeline,Hannah,and Andrew Perfetti, Vincenzo and GiovannaPerfetti.He is also survived by aspecial niece, Sharon Tucci, and nephew, Peter Perfetti (Brenda), as well as several great nieces and nephews. All arrangements are through Wright-Beard Funeral Home.CallinghoursareTuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a mass of Christian burial Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret's Church in Homer. Interment will be in St. Mary'sCemetery. He did not "Go gentle in that good night," He raged for 17 years against the "dying of the light." In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6390 Fly Road, 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or the National KidneyFoundation, 731 James St., Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13203. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Our deapest sympathies for the lose of David a dear friend who will be forever missed. Robert & Carol Basha My condolences on the loss of Mr. Perfetti. I had the chance to get to know Mr. Perfetti when I attended SUNY Cortland, he was a huge help to me in a time of crisis. I'm am sorry to hear of his passing, I pray for peace for his family. Debbie "Basha" Poole My sincerest condolences to Dave's family and friends. Rest in peace Brother Elk. Jim Ochsner PER #748 Margaret and Family, My deepest sympathies to you all. Working for Dave was one of the highlights of my life. He was my "Pal". I learned so much from him. Leaving him was one of the hardest things I ever had to do and I know it broke both our hearts but life takes many paths. He will be missed!!! Paula Perkins (Ryan) Margaret and family. Please know that my thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with you and David. You have always had my highest respect and regards. Love to you from another McMahon family member. Kathy McMahon Lewis To one of the finest men I have ever met, God Bless and heart felt thoughts and prayers to the Perfetti Family. John Kehn My sincere sympathy to the Perfetti family. Sincerely Diana Cincotta Cianflocco Lucia my heart goes out to yo and your family during this difficult time. I remember all he stories we shared about our Italan up bringing. Thinking of you Mary Pellman Margaret and family, Mary Stuck and I want to send our deepest sympathy to you for the loss of David...he will be remembered with fondness....hopefully your faith will help you in this time of need. Mary Ware Margaret & Family, Beth and I are saddened by the loss of Mr. Perfetti. I remember a happy family together at school and in the community. Beth has seen you often at the hospital and was always sad that the health problem was so difficult. We know you will be strong and always remember your happy days together. Beth & Fred Dillenback I'm so sorry I can't make it to Cortland to convey to you all IN PERSON my deepest condolences, as well as my very fond memories of shared Fourth of July celebrations at the Jacobuses, as well as a few Christmas Eves and a New Year's Eve/birthday celebration at the Perfetti home. My thoughts, love and prayers are with your entire family. Please know how much I care. Barbara Poskanzer I'm sad to hear of Mr. Perfetti's passing. I am grateful to both Mr. and Mrs. Perfetti for always being so kind to me. I always think of the whole family with the greatest respect. Aaron Copp Dear Margaret and family, I am sorry that you have lost your dear husband and father. David surely has fought a long hard fight but is finally at rest. It's so special that you have been such a constant support for him. Margaret, I wish I could be with you at this time as your presence at my Mom's calling hours meant the world to me. Know I would be there if I could be. Please know that my fondest thoughts are with you all at this time. Sincerely, Kathy Alexander Fordham I am sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a good friend and inspiration and will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time! Joe Haskell, Jr. Dear Margaret, Shirley and I offer our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your husband David. A great man who had a great career as well as yourself. Makes me relate back to Clinton Avenue. Your father and mother "cared and took care of us back then." We had a field with lights, a basketball court so "everyone in the neighborhood" could just have fun thanks to your parents. Our neighborhood produced 2 NFL football players in Jack Call and Gary Wood, because your parents "CARED." You cared for David just as your father and mother "cared for our families on Clinton Avenue." Celebrate David's life and someday we'll all get together and who knows, we'll have a "hellava" good time together and have a great party. John and Shirley Adams Ormond Beach FL David for a long time thru his illness John and Shirley Adams My Cousin Vinny" was a comrade in 1960 and a great friend and comfort to me for over 50 years. He will be sorely missed. Joe Our deepest condolences to the Perfetti family. Mr. Perfetti was always such a kind man and I remember him with great fondness. I hope you all can find comfort in the happy memories you have of him. We are sending you all prayers for peace during this difficult time. Take care of yourselves and each other. The Adinolfi family My deepest condolences to your entire family. I have many fond memories of Sunday dinners with lots of laughter and good food. David also helped me when I was in high school, as he reviewed my Youth and Government bill. A great man, who will be dearly missed. Christine Foster Margaret and Family. Our thoughts and condolences are with you all. Dave was a humorous, thoughful, pleasant man to be with in both personal and professional occasions. I will miss our conversations at the store and the lodge. With Deepest Sympathy Steve and Sandy Harrington Margaret, Tim, Lisa, David & Joel & all the Family We regret that we are unable to celebrate David's life with you as we are in SC, This world has lost another great gentleman. One who touched many lives with love and caring. Our Hearts and Prayers are with you all. Joe & Carol Masterpaul To all of the family, Though I was did not get to know David personally, I remember many of you very fondly and know that David had to have been a very special person. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. There is a poem about the rose that blooms through the hole in the wall. It seeks out the sun even when a wall is built between the plant and the sun. Look for that hole in the wall of grief to find the light that David' presence made to shine. The memories and laughter will echo as you lean on each other. May God bless you. Nina Bean Dickinson My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I have very fond memories of being with your family. May god hold him in the palm of his hand until you see him once again. Love, Chrissy and daughters Callie & Meagan Tyler I am deeply sorry for the loss of Dave Perfetti. My thoughts and prayers are with my good friend Tim Perfetti, my colleague Pat Perfetti and the rest of the Perfetti family. David J. Adinolfi II Margaret, to you and the whole family, Alisa and I want you to know our thoughts are with you, all the way from Australia. Spending time with The Perfetti family taught me so much about real family values and wha a sense of community really means. I have so many fond memories of David, one of life's true gentlemen who will be sorely missed. I wish I could have been there to say goodbye, as it's been 5 long years since seeing you all. Alisa and I will raise a glass of our wine tonight to toast a life well lived - he leaves a huge hole in our hearts and his legacy will live on through your wonderful family. Michael Hart. To Margaret and family, my heartfelt thoughts are with you. I met David once when he and the family opened their hearts and home to me 15 years ago. The fond memories still linger. My 16 year old son, Michael, lived in your care for some months in 1987. David's influence on Mike was profound and gave a young man ambition and direction tempered with integrity and humility. Kevin Hart