Joseph Frank Peritore
July 14, 1945 – July 4, 2026
Joseph Frank Peritore passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Joe was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Peter Charles Peritore and Ann Rose (Caruso) Peritore. As the oldest of six children and the only son, he was the beloved older brother to his five younger sisters: Marie Carver, Patty Dunn, Kathi Box, Joyce Keeney, and Janice Wanko.
A gifted athlete winning three Ohio State wrestling titles in high school and earned a wrestling scholarship to Lehigh University where he was part of the legendary wrestling threesome known as the “Terrific Trio”, Joe was inducted into the Lehigh Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003. He earned his Bachelor’s (1967) and Master’s (1969) degrees from Lehigh in Industrial Engineering.
Joe was hired directly out of Lehigh by The Boeing Company in 1969. Boeing selected Joe to attend the Sloan Program at MIT where he received his MBA in 1980. He spent his entire 29 year career with Boeing. Throughout his career, Joe served in a variety of executive positions, eventually retiring in 1998 as the Vice President of Human Resources and Operations Development.
Retirement provided Joe opportunity for Christian and community service; leading trips to Honduras for 20 years alongside his wife, Linda. His kindness, integrity, and respect for others showed his commitment to follow Christ.
Joe and Linda traveled the world together, including trips to Israel, Egypt, Africa, China, Honduras and of course Italy. He treasured reconnecting with his Italian relatives, sitting in piazzas with a glass of wine, and embracing the philosophy of il dolce far niente-“the sweetness of doing nothing”. Over the years, he organized memorable trips to Italy with family and friends, creating lasting memories.
Joe met the love of his life, Linda Alice Daily of Kirkland, WA, and together they built a beautiful life over 55 years of marriage. With their children – Ross, Jeff and Annie – they shared a love of hiking, biking, sailing, skiing and golfing.
Nothing brought Joe greater joy than his family. He was a devoted husband, father and adoring grandfather to Joseph (Ross), Luke, Sebastian and Vivienne (Jeff), and Kieran and Olivia (Annie and Brian Carlson). His grandchildren were the light of his life and a constant source of pride and happiness.
Even during his journey with dementia, Joe never lost his warm smile or generous spirit showing quiet strength.
We are profoundly grateful for the remarkable gift Joe was in our lives.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Normandy Park, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Joe’s memory by making a donation to a nonprofit organization that is meaningful to you.
John and I are very saddened to hear of the passing of our old friend, Joe Peritore. He and Linda lived down the street from us and helped out in trying times. We visited them in Normandy Park several times. Joe was the epitome of kindness. You will be missed by many, Joe.
I have fond memories of the terrific trio of Caruso, Peritore and Stuart wrestling in the snake pit in my years at Lehigh. RIP Joe.
Joe and I met as freshman at Lehigh University in 1963 as we lived in the same dorm. While knowing of his reputation as a Champion wrestler, he was always a friendly, polite, and smiling member of our freshman class. He was outstanding in both athletic skills and in human kindness. Many years have passed, but I am saddened to learn of his passing and I wished to share my fond remember of this Lehigh great. It was an honor to share our time together Joe. Rest in Peace.
So many memories with Joe, Linda, and the “kids.” Joe was such a steady kind gentle man as we spent time in Hawaii golfing, enjoying life, and sharing fun moments especially. with Annie and Jeff. Dinners at special restaurants in Hawaii – one always Italian! and at a special restaurant that ALWAYS had a lovely Hawaiian singer who sang “Over the Rainbow” on rotation.. we laughed as Joe always said “oh my gosh, not again! I hate that song!” we never knew if he really hated it our just heard it too much!! We are so appreciative of the kindness he showed our sons along the way and always asked about them as they grew up. Over the years, we enjoyed watching Joe “grow in his faith” after retirement with ministering in Honduras, our church, and taking an interest in the NP community. Snappy dresser and taught us a lot about wine!! He is missed!