Donald Francis Perusse, Sr.

Donald Francis Perusse, Sr. of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Lee Center, New York, passed away     July 7th after a courageous battle with cancer, with his daughter Doreen and son Donald, Jr., by his side.  He was born May 31st, 1927 in Agawam, MA, the son of the late Francis and Lillian Root Perusse of Springfield, MA. Donald worked in Massachusetts at different wire companies and a gun company.  After finding and moving to a farm in Lee Center, NY, Donald settled into an occupation he truly loved, farming.  He retired from his dairy farm in November, 2010.  During his retirement in Florida, Donald enjoyed many hours of fishing, gardening, making new fishing friends, and soaking up the Florida sunshine. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Yolanda Pizzimentl Perusse, three sons, Donald, Jr., (Deb) of Lee Center, NY; Dennis (Maria) of Midland, TX; and Daniel of Rome, NY; four daughters, Yolanda (Jerry) Pavloff of Ligonier, PA; Doreen (John) Peeler of Jacksonville, FL; Donna Perusse of Dallas, TX; and Debora (Markus) Vock of Jackson, MS; 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Margaret Bressett of ME; brothers Robert of VT; Francis of NY; and Paul of MA.  Donald was predeceased by two sisters and one brother, Lorraine Antienowicz, Marylou Garfield, and Harvey Perusse. Donald has gone fishing!! Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.