Donald B. Pertilla

Donald B. (Donnie) Pertilla

Peacefully resting in the arms of his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ and surrounded with family and friends at home, Donald B. Pertilla (Donnie) transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, February 12, 2016.

Born on May 23, 1930 in Syracuse, New York where he lived his life to the fullest bringing joy to all he met, Donnie, in the spirit of excellence displayed a perfect example as a loving family man, spreading such love and dedication throughout his natural family members near and far, as well as to his church family which he loved and served for many years.

As a faithful member of South Presbyterian Church (now South Valley Presbyterian Church) he ministered in the music department, served as a Deacon, as an Elder and a Trustee. His love for his community was also shown through his diligent work in his continuous service with the Syracuse United Neighbors (SUN) Association.

Donnie was a Product Service Representative for General Electric Company where he worked for twenty years.
Donnie was in Naval Aviation for four years and was a Naval Recruit Instructor for six years at the Naval Recruit Station in Liverpool, New York. He also worked for the Onondaga Central School District for twelve years. Donnie loved to work with electronics, especially computers. He also was an excellent carpenter and could build a house if he had to. Music was his most loved hobby.

He was gifted and loved to play the accordion, the organ, and also sing; he could sing in four different languages, German, Italian, French and Latin and embraced the beauty of classical music. He was also an avid reader. Donnie traveled extensively from state to state and from country to vountry. He enjoyed family dinners, reunions and participating in all family activities. As a little boy Donnie promised his mother that he would buy her a house when he got older, and he did.

Donald was predeceased by his Mother, Betty Pertilla, Father, Carlyle Pertilla Sr., Brothers, Martin Irons Jr., Harold Tisdell, Carlyle (Yodi) Pertilla Jr., Theodore Pertilla and Sister, Gloria Braithwaite.

He leaves to cherish his memory three brothers, Robert Rollins (Shirley) of Toledo, Ohio, Milton (Pease) Irons, of Berlin, Germany, Chester (Smiley) Irons and one sister, Minister Wilhelmina Dey, both of Syracuse, New York, as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews spanning from California to New York, and throughout the southern states of America, especially cousin Audrey Tisdell, and lifelong friend, Richard Breland.

Service will be held at the South Valley Presbyterian Church (Atonement Presbyterian) located at 116 West Glen Avenue, in Syracuse, NY.

Calling hours will be Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 10:00 to 12:00 noon with Home Going Services following.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerSyracuse.com