Joseph Paul Perek

Mr. Joseph Paul Perek, age 80, of Ocean Springs, MS went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 13, 2014. Born in Dickson City, PA, Joe was the son of Anthony and Sophie Perek. He was a proud American who served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Perek was a living witness of his Catholic Faith and was an active member of Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, serving in the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Mass Commentator. He possessed an extraordinary work ethic, being formerly employed at Continental Can Company and more recently, MS Security Police, Inc., past the age of 80. Mr. Perek is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Leslie Perek; his second wife, Cora Lee Bigot Tanner Perek; his parents, Anthony and Sophie Perek; and three sisters. Survivors include his four children, Mary Anne (Gary) Holloman, Mike (Lori) Perek, Tony Perek, and Etta (Marcus) DeLorey; one sister; and one brother. He was affectionately known as “Papa Joe” to his eight step-children, Rosemary (Greg) Collins, Ellen Charlene Carroll, Kathleen Tanner, Diane (Timothy) Deas, Theresa (Randy) Payne, Michael Tanner, Fred (Mary) Tanner, and Teddy Tanner. Special thanks to family members and the personnel of We Care Hospice for their loving care during his final days. In honor of Mr. Perek’s belief in and support of Catholic education, the family prefers that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Resurrection Catholic School in his memory. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church on Friday, July 18, 2014 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until mass time. Interment will follow at Jackson County Memorial Park. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.