Emilio Perfili

Click on the tribute wall above to view Emilio’s video tribute. August 26, 1931 – May 20, 2022 Emilio was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Alessandrina Perfili, known to all as Santina or Sandy. Emilio leaves behind his two first-generation daughters, Diana Brunner (Michael), and Linda Koeppe (Roy). Also mourning the loss are his loving grandchildren: Adam (Ashley), Emily (Joshua), Matthew, Dana and Lauren, as well as his beautiful great grandchildren: Allie, Maddie, Connor, Mason, Johnny and Gavin. Family Tribute Emilio immigrated to America from Italy in 1956 on the Conte Biancamano with his brother-in-law Francesco Drogheo – they arrived at Ellis Island in February of that year. One of seven siblings, Emilio was born and raised in Castro dei Volsci and grew up on his family’s farm. A favorite memory of his was taking the sheep up to graze in the mountains where he could rest while his sheep roamed around. His childhood nickname was “Milio pesce” – an apt nickname given to him because of his love of swimming. His beautiful wife, Alessandrina, arrived in America a year earlier and settled in Allen Park, Michigan where he raised his loving daughters that he cherished so very much. Emilio and Sandy were known for being hard workers while enjoying a full and happy social life with family and friends. They took pride in embracing the American way of life and more than anything, they wanted what was best for their daughters. One of their major accomplishments included becoming naturalized citizens of the United States. Emilio worked as a bricklayer in construction and later for the Ford Motor Company and River Rouge Steel. He retired at the age of 65 but continued to work odd jobs well into his retirement. He constructed his family home in Southgate, Michigan where he did all the masonry work. Emilio took great pride in his outstanding workmanship and enjoyed sharing his expertise with his daughters and their husbands. He was always ready to help paint, pour concrete, build fireplaces and any other jobs his family might need. He had many passions in life! Some of his favorites were hunting, golfing, fishing, gardening and perhaps his most favorite, winemaking. He took any opportunity to offer his friends and family some of his homemade wine and loved serving it at all family parties and functions. In retirement, he was able to spend more time improving his golf game while living in his Florida home at Stoneybrook in Sarasota, where he could golf anytime. Emilio and Sandy were embraced by their Stoneybrook community and were loved by all! Emilio has had a long and blessed life. His greatest legacy that he leaves to his first-generation American daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be his strong Italian American heritage and values. His family will cherish and forever hold in their hearts these memories and values of life, work, and family. He loved his family with his whole being – to his grandchildren he was called Papa and he held, played with, and adored each of them. One thing Papa instituted at family gatherings was going on a walk after dinner. All his grandchildren would walk the neighborhood and explore with him. He was so proud of their accomplishments. To those he encountered, he would proudly introduce them as “my family” with a bright and happy smile. We will miss you dearly and our hearts will be sore – but go now and be with your adoring wife who is waiting for you. May you dance with Sandy and all your Italian friends like you always did. To your family, no one can ever take your place! Visitation for Emilio will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 10915 Allen Road. There will be a scripture service held that evening at 6:00 p.m., followed by a family eulogy. The Mass of Resurrection will take place the following day on Thursday, June 2, at St. Frances Cabrini located at 9000 Laurence Ave., Allen Park, MI 48101. In State 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Angela’s Hospice as an expression of sympathy. Please visit Emilio's online tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences for the family.