Joseph W. Perrotta Jr.

March 31, 1942 - November 2, 2018

03/31/1942 - 11/02/2018

Past Services

Memorial
Friday November 09, 2018
11:00 am
Church of the Ascension Catholic Church
4853 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-495-1886 | Directions
Capt. Joseph William Perrotta Jr., U.S. Navy, retired, was the son of the late Joseph William and Gertrude Perrotta born on March 31, 1942 in Coraopolis, PA. He passed away in Virginia Beach, Virginia on November 2, 2018 at the age of 76.
Joseph’s family is devastated by his loss. He is survived by his loving wife Theresa and three daughters. Daughter Laurie Perrotta Cooper, husband Daniel Robert and children Joshua Whitten, Addison Marie and Matthew Joseph. Daughter Ashlie Marie Campbell, husband Christian Eric and children Erica Lynn Beck, Joseph “Woody” Humes, Jackson Django Christian Campbell, grandchildren Lyliana and Andrew Beck. Daughter Angela Michelle Perrotta and husband William Chesley Henderson.
Siblings Frank Perrotta, Nancy Jo Schmidt and preceded in death Sandra Perrotta.
He will be greatly missed by his extended Navy family and golf friends.
Joe proudly served his country around the world for 33 years. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961. After selection for the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP), he attended and graduated from the University of Louisville. Upon commissioning, he embarked on a distinguished career as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). Besides various staff and afloat assignments, he commanded: USS Ready (PG-87), USS Stump (DD-978) and USS Normandy (CG-60). As the commissioning commanding officer of Normandy, he led the crew through the most rapid commissioning-to-deployment of any ship since WWII in order to participate in Operation Desert Storm. For his service during the Gulf War he received the Bronze Star. Because of the unique association with the Normandy, it provided him the opportunity to memorialize and honor the veterans of WWII for the rest of his life, especially members of the wartime 29th Infantry Division.
Joe was so proud of his three daughters and grandchildren and was always there to encourage them in their endeavors. His other hobbies included golf and the Louisville Cardinals his alma mater. More recently a Clemson Tigers superfan.
A gathering on Friday November 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM, mass at 11:00 AM, followed by military honors and reception at Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach, VA.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joe’s honor by mail to Folds of Honor, Dept 13, Tulsa.OK 74182. Online donations can be submitted at the website: www.foldsofhonor.org.
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Marty Riggs
4 years ago

Dear Perrotta Family. I was looking for something else and came across Joe’s obituary. I am so sorry . We were kids and friends in Ely Village. I stayed friends with Sandy untill she passed away. I am still friends with the rest of the group who hung out together. I will tell them and I can safely pass along their heartfelt sympathies for your family. Even though I had not seen Joe for far too many years, I lost family with his and Sandy’s passing.

Alonzo F. Shelton
5 years ago

Fair Winds and Following Seas Captain. I was so proud to serve with you on the USS STUMP DD-978. MACM Shelton (retired)