Dr. Thomas J. Perka, age 89, of The Villages, FL, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA (Ross Township) on December 1, 1926. Dr Perka served in the US Army during WWII. After his military service he went to college on the GI Bill and earned a Doctorate of Optometry degree. His practice was in Bellevue, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He moved to The Villages after retirement 21 years ago. Dr Perka was very involved in Optometry holding many offices within the Association on different levels. He was also actively involved in the Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Iole “Lee” Perka of The Villages, FL; son Alan Perka and his wife Cathy of Houston, TX; granddaughter Leigh Perka; grandsons Drew and Alex Perka both of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Mark Perka.
A memorial gathering will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd, The Villages, FL 32159 on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 2 to 4pm. A mass will be celebrated at St Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, The Villages, FL 32159 on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. A committal service with military honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to donor’s favorite charity.
