Phillip J. Persichini, Jr.

Phillip J. Persichini, Jr., 77, of 1001 S. Morgan St., Meadville, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012, from complications of Parkinsons disease.
Phillip was born in Bradford on May 25, 1934, a son of the late Phillip and Laura (LaCavera) Persichini.
On June 20, 1959 at St. Bernard Parish, Bradford, he married Margie Colley Persichini who survives.
Mr. Persichini worked for Grays Drug Stores in Bradford from his preteen years until his graduation from Bradford High School. He then relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for Grays in new store set-up until being drafted into the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged after serving in Korea and returned to Bradford to learn the floor covering trade from Tantalo Floors and City Carpet. He opened Finer Floors, later expanding to Finer Floors and Furniture before selling the redeveloped area to the US Post Office in 1979. Throughout this time, he bought, remodeled and resold dozens of rental and business properties, one of which was The Downbeat Restaurant, which he enjoyed operating until his retirement. From his childhood until his 30s, Mr. Persichini entertained throughout the area, and in Korea, pantomiming the late Al Jolson, winning many contests and awards. He enjoyed traveling to Al Jolson Society functions in later years.
In addition to his wife, Margie, of 52 years, Phillip is survived by a son, Phillip 'PJ' (Nicole) Persichini of Meadville, a daughter Pamela (Michael) Wolfe of Westerville, OH, a son Patrick (Ivy) Persichini of Newport Beach, CA, as well as eight beloved grandchildren Michaela and Tyler Persichini, Jordan, Jacob, Jared and Janelle Wolfe, Sophia and Rembrandt Persichini, four sisters Gloria Owens of Bradford, Vivian Russell of Olean, NY, Elizabeth Anderson of DuBois and Sandra Eaton of Frewsburg, NY.
In addition to his parents, Phillip was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene Persichini and Gerald Persichini.
At the familys request there will be no public visitation.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 12:00 noon at St. Bernard Church, 95 E. Corydon St., Bradford, PA 16701, with Fr. Raymond Gramata, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will take place in St. Bernard Cemetery, Bradford Twp.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Bradford Public Library, 67 W. Washington St., Bradford, PA 16701, or to the Religious Education Program of either St. Bernard Church, 95 E. Corydon St., Bradford, PA 16701 or St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, 383 Arch St., Meadville, PA 16335.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.
Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com