John E. Persico

John E. Persico, 92, of Monessen, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Jefferson Hospital, with his loving family by his side. He was born on Jan. 12, 1932, in Monessen, the son of the late John B. and Helen Gush Persico. He was a member of Epiphany of our Lord Catholic Church, a life member of Monessen Volunteer Fire Department No. 2, Monessen Ambulance Service, Knights of Columbus Council 954, Mon Valley Shipmates and American Legion Post 28. “Pap” or "Junior" (the names his loved ones affectionately called him) made homemade “Dago Red” wine, and since family was the most important part of his existence, he loved to uphold the Italian traditions - especially celebrating Christmas Eve and the Feast of the Seven Fishes. He was a Monessen High School Class of 1950 Graduate, and was a former Greyhound season ticket holder. He bled Black and Gold as a lifelong die-hard Steelers fan, and his green thumb and storytelling were legendary. He was retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel as a millwright and worked many overtime hours with the goal of supporting his big family. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Nira Nesti Persico; two sons, John (Martha) Persico of Jeannette and Dr. Jeffrey (Julie) Persico of Okemos, Mich.; three daughters, Marlene Craze of Bethel Park, Brenda (B.J.) Veschio of Belle Vernon and Debbie Childs of Monessen; brother, Bishop Lawrence T. Persico of Erie, Pa.; grandchildren, Nicholas, Lauren, Shane, Bethany, Brianna, Brittany, Brandon, Racquel, Raynell and Cerria; eight great grandchildren; and sister- in-law, Patricia (Nesti) Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise L. Persico; sister, Betty Angeline; and son-in-law, Jeff Craze. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. Services will be held Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, beginning with a blessing service in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass at the Epiphany of Our Lord Church with Bishop Lawrence T. Persico officiating. Entombment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.