Salvatore James Peraino

Salvatore James Peraino was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His dedication to his work, family, and country as a World War II Veteran served as a model for those around him. He passed away on June 8, 2022 due to natural causes at East Jefferson General Hospital, living 98 years.

Sal was born to Anthony and Mattea Peraino on January 22, 1924 in Lodi, New Jersey. In September of 1942, he graduated from Casey Jones School of Aeronautics as an Aeronautical Engineer and began working for Fairchild Aviation. In June of 1944, Sal joined the U.S. Navy. He was tasked with engineering various airplane components, radar systems, and aircraft ordinances. Additionally, he completed V-5 Naval Aviation training. Upon his honorable discharge as Seaman First Class USNR in March, 1946, Sal was awarded the Victory Medal and the American Theater Medal. Post war, Sal briefly returned to Fairchild Aviation but moved to M.W. Kellogg in Jersey City, NJ. He worked on improvements to rocket and jet systems used in the Manhattan Project.

Taking his engineering and analytical skills elsewhere, Sal began working for Tom-A-Toe Produce Company in Charlotte, NC. From the ground up, he oversaw the construction, designed machinery, and ordered supplies for new facilities. With an expert understanding of the company, all personnel staffing the plants were hired and trained by him. Sal oversaw all sales and buying himself, making the company’s new venture successful within the first year. On the heels of success, Sal was moved to New Orleans, LA, to oversee further expansions. After a company merger between Dixon Brothers and Tom-A-Toe Produce Company, he was moved to Indianapolis, IN, to establish another plant. In his absence, the New Orleans plant began to suffer under different management, causing the company to send him to fix the issue.

After six more years of success in New Orleans, Sal decided to open his own business, Dixie Tomato and Packaging, Inc, in 1962. Now competing with his prior employer, Sal worked tirelessly to build his company up with the knowledge he accumulated over the past 13 years. In 1972, he purchased the building at 5801 G Street, Harahan, LA through the S.B.A. in 1972 from a feed mill company. He equipped his new plant with the tools necessary to become one of the most efficient repacking and processing plants in the industry. Seeking to further expand his business, he changed the company name to Dixie Produce and Packaging, Inc., becoming one of the most sought-after distributors in the South. Sal was a pioneer in his industry and remained that way until his retirement after 45 years.

Sal is preceded in death by his wife Louise Ceccacci Peraino (1967); his parents Anthony Peraino and Mattea Carmeci Peraino; his daughter Marianne Peraino Danna; his stepdaughter Angelle Marie Chatelain; his sister Josephine Peraino Cerniglia; his brother-in-law Jimmie Cerniglia; his sister Celia Peraino Pensec; his brother-in-law John Pensec; his sister Carmella Peraino Sisto; and his brother-in-law Whitey Sisto.

Sal is survived by his wife Carol Clesi Peraino; his daughter Martha Peraino Micelle (Buddy); his son Anthony L. Peraino (Celeste); his daughter-in-law Gale S. Martinez (Jimmie); his son-in-law Louis Danna (Jana); and his stepson FJ. Chatelain Jr. (Beth).

Sal was a loving grandfather to Darren Micelle (Sheri), Jennifer Danna Odom (Patrick), Bryan Danna (Becky), Sal J. Peraino II (Brittney), Lauren Peraino Landry (Peter), Alise Peraino Walker (Matt), Alexander M. Vanbeber, and FJ. Chatelain III. Great-grandfather of Luke Micelle, Landon Micelle, Rebecca Micelle, Grace Odom, Austin Landry, Evelyn Landry, Giorgio Peraino, Margot Peraino, Vincent Danna and Lucille Danna.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lisa Zullo, Nicholas Giarratano, Silvia Truant, Notre Dame Home Health, Anthony Lama, M.D., and EJGH Wound Care.

Sal was a Catholic member of the Divine Mercy Catholic Church and the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Sal was an avid golfer, snow skier, duck hunter, Saints fan, LSU fan, Pelicans fan, and loved the New Orleans Symphony

Sal was a member of the Metairie Country Club, Chateau Golf & Country Club, Diamondhead Country Club, Little Lake Hunting Club, and Krewe of Bacchus.

Sal was a supporter of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, World War II Museum, New Orleans Symphony, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Aquarium of the Americas, Italian Cultural Society, Boys Town, Disabled American Veterans, EWTN, Red Cross, Covenant House, Bridge House, American Cancer Society, Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, Father Seelos Center, New Orleans Right to Life, Proudly Pro Life, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, etc.

Visitation and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Visitation beginning at 12:30pm with mass following at 2:00pm. Interment will continue at All Saints Mausoleum.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com