Vincent "Vinnie" James Pergola, age 91 of Punta Gorda, FL passed away May 21, 2020 at home with his family. He was born October 28, 1928 to Fillipo Pergola and Rosaria (Vitale) Pergola (emigrated from Petreperzia Sicily). Vincent grew up in West Lynn Mass and graduated from Lynn Classical High School. He later completed numerous Military Technical, Leadership Training Programs and Air University Schools. Vinnie proudly served 22 years of military service. He was in the United States Army National Guard, US Navy USS Pawkatuck (AO-108) and United States Air Force retiring as a MSgt. Vincent was a decorated WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam Veteran. His many decorations included a number of Campaign and Service awards including the Bronze Star. After retirement from the USAF, he resided in Tampa as Superintendent of Gulfport Storage and eventually settled in Punta Gorda. Vinnie earned a second retirement from the Charlotte County School System. He was a 50 year Lifetime Member of the VFW (Post 5690). Vincent was also a member of the American Legion Post 103, AMVETS, Elks, and Moose Lodge 1693 of Punta Gorda. He travelled many thousands of miles across the US and around the world. He felt at home behind the wheel and on the road. He loved to sing and play the piano and enjoyed leading and encouraging others in sing-alongs at the club or at home. Vinnie also enjoyed entertaining friends and family, telling family stories, laughter, good food and his TV Westerns. Making “Sangs” at brother Phils’ house was a tradition. He loved the weekends with Kathy hunting for yard sale treasures. Vinnie was generous and charitable with his good fortune and his time. If you needed a cooler or a crock-pot (we lost count) or just a helping hand, “It’s yours.” Now the smell of red sauce meatballs Italian sausage peppers and onions from the kitchen will conjure sweet memories belly laughs and happy times. Vincent was preceded in death by his parents; his former wives, mother of his children Mary (McMurrer) Pergola, and Mardell (Bluemle) Pergola; his daughter-in-law, Mara Pergola; Katherine LaRocco, his brothers, Philip, Charles, Joseph, Frank, and Paul; his sisters, Josephine, Kay, Nancy, and Clara; and his great grandchild, Kingston Emanuel Fosque. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen J. (Marks) Pergola; his children, Gerald Pergola (Mara†), Linda (Pergola) Grayson (Robert), Mary (Pergola) Grinder (Richard), Valerie(Dixon)Pergola(Cory Simmons FI), Christopher J Pergola (Sandy Tawny FI), Grandchildren Sherri (Pergola) Helton (Jerry), Michelle (Pergola) Fosque (Cory), Christopher G. Pergola USMC, Andrew Grayson, Douglas Grayson, Scott Long, John J Dixon II, Nicole Pergola, Katika R Pittman, Joseph Pittman Sr (Sheryl), Kim LaRocco, Kitty (Dee Dee) LaRocco; brothers, David(Teresa) and John (Evelyn); sisters, Ruth, Betty, and Ginger; sister in-laws, Jeannie Richards and Shirley RIchardson; great grandchildren, Dominique Rios, Soleil Fosque, Kalia Lewis, Joe Lewis (Little Joe), Phoenix Pittman, Starr and BB, Joe Pittman Jr.; and many many other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family and a special mention to dear John J Dixon Sr. Sharlene Ivy, Cathy Cuevas, Byron Rios, Jordan Simmons, Anthony and Erin Pergola, Alfonso and Carline(Pergola) DeFeo. The family would also like to thank Dr Elena Rodriguez, Dr Donald Garrow, Dr Thomas Noone, Dr Alexander Glick, Bayshore Hospital Staff, Tidwell Hospice and Kays-Ponger Funeral Home for their care and support. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am with a service to begin at 11:30 am. Please visit www.kayspongerpg.com to leave a message or condolences to the Pergola family.
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