PERONA, John

John Perona died peacefully June 29, 2002. Born in Johnston City, Illinois, Oct. 17, 1918, John married Mary Goldberg Nov. 9, 1939. He served with honor during WWII in the Army as a Rifleman Instructor, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. John and Mary moved to Arizona in 1959 where they purchased and operated JAM's Restaurant for many years in the Tempe Center and later Smoke Rings 'n Things in downtown Phoenix. John is survived by son John B. (Deborah), daughter Karen A. (Dan) Shaw, and son Richard A. (Kristin) along with grandchildren John K. (Felicia) and Paul E. (Cristy) Perona, Richard D. (Suzanne), Robert J. (Susie), and Ryan S. Shaw, and Jennifer L. and Janne E. Perona along with great-grandchildren Jonathan, Garrett and Shawn Perona; Erica and Stephen Perona; and Stephanie and Julia Shaw. John was a hard-working, self-made man who instilled a strong work ethic in his family. He was an avid card player, enjoyed Italian food and was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Services are private. Contributions may be made to the Arizona Kidney Foundation at 4203 E. Indian School Rd, #140, Phoenix, AZ 85018. The Arizona Republic July 4, 2002