Frank Peri
December 27, 1933 - January 9, 2021

Frank David Peri, 87, of Scottsdale, beloved husband of Melissa Previdi Peri, died Saturday, January 9, 2021 at home after a long illness, surrounded by his family. Born Francesco Perdichezzi on December 27, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Anthony and Concettina Perdichezzi. He grew up in New York City and raised his family in Westchester and Connecticut. Later he split his time between Connecticut and Arizona before becoming a permanent resident of Scottsdale.

Frank attended Stuyvesant high school and City College in New York where he was an avid athlete, playing both baseball and basketball. He was a veteran of the Korean War and stationed in Fort Bragg North Carolina, serving as paratrooper in the 82nd airborne. After his service, Frank focused on building a career in the insurance industry where he became a successful executive and business owner before retiring in the late 90's.

He continued to pursue his passion for sports, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed playing with his wife, family, and friends. He enjoyed watching sports (a forever New York Giants and Yankees fan), with his wife and best friend, Melissa. They shared interests in sports, politics, family, and spending summers in Flagstaff. He was extremely devoted to his dogs, Lulu, Ruby and Remy. They gave him great joy especially in the later years of his life.

Frank was a brilliant man with a wide range of interests and talents. He loved being intellectually challenged and approached new endeavors with enthusiasm. He was creative, self-taught, a true do-it-yourselfer, and he could build or fix just about anything. He tackled every project with patience, attention to detail, and an eye for perfection. He had the mind of an engineer and the art and skills of a craftsman.

Born the eldest child of Italian and Sicilian immigrants, Frank worked tirelessly to take care of those he loved. He was selfless and generous, always sharing all he earned with family and friends. He was a caretaker to all and mentor and second father to his youngest brother Tony. Later in life, he helped his daughter with her business, working until the week before he died, leaving nothing unfinished.

He was a quiet man of few words, with incredible inner strength. Frank cherished time spent with family and friends and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He took great interest and pride in all their successes. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild, expected in March.

In addition to his loving wife Melissa Peri of 31 years, Frank is survived by his children Donna (Jim) Belardi, Jo Ann (Michael) Murphy; Robert Peri; Susan (Mitch) Monaco and Melissa (Stefano) Ghirimoldi, his 11 grandchildren, Anthony, Ana, and Nikolay Belardi; Brianna and Liam Murphy; Jake, Jessica and Joseph Peri; Bailey Monaco; and Matteo and Luca Ghirimoldi. Frank is also survived by his youngest brother Tony (Lisa) Perdichezzi and predeceased by his brother Joseph Perdichezzi and sister Nancy Scott.

Due to Covid-19, a memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations to organizations that Frank supported and felt strongly about including: Canine Companion - https://caninecompanionsltd.org/about-our-work/ Tunnel to Towers - https://tunnel2towers.org/ St Jude - https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Finally, the family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for the compassion, wonderful care and support they gave to Frank and his family during a very difficult time.

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