Peter Ray Perricone, 81 years and 2 months old, passed away on September 30, 2023 at his home with his wife by his side.
Peter was born July 30, 1942 in Pueblo Colorado to Peter Perricone and Anna Garnet Perricone. Pete learned his horse skills as a youngster in Colorado riding broncs.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War Era serving most of his tour in South Korea.
On June 1, 1967 Peter and Nani Lynn Van Cleve were united in marriage at Las Vegas, Nevada.
He retired from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) as a master electrician with 55 years of service. Peter and Nani Lynn moved to the Vera Cruz area of Ava six years ago and enjoyed there life here together.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Anna Jo Perricone Jones and Norma Carole Perricone Kreuch.
He is survived by his wife, Nani Lynn of Ava; one son Peter Ray Perricone Jr. of Grants Pass, Oregon, two daughters Rebecca Ann Loncosky of Raymondville, Mo and Amanda Elizabeth Perricone of Ava. Pete is also survived by eight granddaughters, Emma Sophia Perricone, who he and Nani helped raise, Brittney Nani Loncosky Smith, Chloe Hannah Loncosky, Isabella Rose Loncosky, Violetta Pearl Loncosky, Alexrandia Lynn Perricone, Robin Marie Perricone, and Ava Quinn Perricone. He is also survived by three grandsons, Peter Ray Perricone III, Dalon Perricone, and Hunter Loncosky. Also surviving are his great grandchildren, Connor Perricone, Dalon Perricone, Walter Perricone, Bella Rain Perricone, and Timberlyn Smith. A sister-n-law and her husband Heidi Van Cleve and Dennis Wheeler; two brothers n law; Peter Van Cleve and wife, Brenda and Andrew Van Cleve and wife Sandy.
Peter started his working life riding broncs in Colorado which he put to good use when he moved to California were he worked at Knotts Berry Farm driving stage coaches and doing stage shows in San Diego where he started working with lighting. In the army he furthered his professional lighting skills in South Korea where he was lucky enough to run into Johnny Mathis who was on a USO tour and was later hired after his Army obligation to travel with Mathis for two years around the world lighting his performances. At the end of his two years with Mathis he had developed many connections in LA, so he went there and was immediately hired into the IATSE union where he retired. In his career he was trusted with the lighting on many game shows and the crowning jewell was his job as the director of lighting at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in LA where he directed the lighting for the Academy Awards Show for more than 30 years. As a Christian Peter lead others to Christ in his job and life.
Cremation services are being conducted for Peter by Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes, Ava. Family requests memorials may be made to Thornfield House of Prayer, 14474 State Hwy. 95, Wasola, MO 65773.
