Joseph F. Perret, Sr.

Joseph Francis Perret (Joe) entered into eternal life on November 20 at the age of 88 years old, following a long illness.

He is survived by his 8 children: Joseph Francis Perret, Jr. (Colleen), Joni MacDonald (William), Nancy Ann Stuehler (William), Lynn Marie Ross (James), Leigh Ann Perret Dowd (Robert), Mary Ann Perret (James Baldwin), James Perrier “Perry” Perret (Michelle), and Paul Aleman Perret (Pamela), his brothers William and John, 21 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Joan Perrier Perret, his parents Joseph Maxime Perret, Sr and Shirley Aleman Perret, his brothers Max, Henry, Tom, and Paul.

Joe was born January 22, 1936 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised in the city, attended Jesuit High School, and Loyola University of New Orleans where he studied Chemistry and met his wife. Following college, he was in the Army Chemical Corps in Anniston AL.

Joe spent all of his working career with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He began as an inspector, traveling to various food processing facilities in Louisiana and eventually Missouri. In 1967 he was promoted out of the field to FDA headquarters in Washington, DC. He went on to become a compliance officer dealing with food labeling. He retired after 38 years in 1998.

 Joe enjoyed different sports throughout his life. In high school and college, he was on the track team, throwing shotput and discus. He played a little intramural football, and later loved to watch the game on TV with wife and family. Joe enjoyed competitive shooting and taught all of his children proper gun safety. Above all, Joe most enjoyed fishing. From the time he was a young boy he couldn’t get enough. 

Joe was a selfless man who loved his family deeply. His wife Joan was the love of his life. He missed her terribly after she died. He sacrificed and worked hard to feed, educate, and raise his children. Through thick and thin, he was always loving and supportive of his children, and grandchildren when they came along. He cherished family visits. He never complained about his struggles or declining health. His love, integrity, and moral character was a model for all.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, November 26 from 9:30-10:30 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Bowie, MD. A Catholic Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Our Lady of the Fields Cemetery, Millersville at 2:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor. https://littlesistersofthepoor.org/donate-to-lsp/