Paul Perillo Obituary: Beloved New Jersey Community Figure and Longtime Magellan Family Member Dies at 76
NEW JERSEY – April 15, 2025 — The tight-knit communities of Ocean County and Seaside Heights are mourning the heartfelt loss of Paul Perillo, a proud Italian-American, devoted family man, and dedicated community servant, who passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, April 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 76 years old.
Paul Perillo was a beloved member of the Magellan family since March 6, 2015, and a cherished cornerstone of several local organizations, including the Seaside Italian American Club and the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee. Known for his infectious smile, booming voice, and unwavering love for his heritage, Paul left a lasting impression wherever he went. Whether he was proudly marching in a parade, emceeing a local wedding, or simply calling out a friend’s name with joy across a crowded room, Paul carried a unique energy that uplifted those around him.
His death marks the end of an era for many who knew him as the heart of countless community efforts. Paul embodied everything that makes a small-town hero: loyalty, pride, service, and love. He dedicated his life to his family, his roots, and the betterment of his neighborhood. His presence at the Seaside Italian American Club, where he played an integral role in community development and cultural preservation, will be sorely missed. His legacy there is not only etched in records and memories but in the spirit of camaraderie he fostered among members.
Paul’s commitment to the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee was equally profound. Over the years, he contributed not only time and leadership but a heartfelt passion for honoring Italian-American traditions and passing them on to future generations. His fellow committee members remember him as a brother in arms—loyal, enthusiastic, and deeply proud of his Italian lineage. He was the kind of man who showed up early, stayed late, and made sure every detail was just right.
More than anything else, Paul was a family man. He was a loving and faithful husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather who lit up when talking about his loved ones. His strength, warmth, and deep faith were cornerstones of his character, and his family was his life’s greatest treasure.
Paul Perillo is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Perillo; his children; his grandchildren; as well as extended family members and many lifelong friends throughout Ocean County and beyond.
Funeral arrangements are currently being finalized and will be shared with the public in the coming days, allowing friends, neighbors, and fellow club members to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to his family and his community.
As tributes continue to pour in, Paul is remembered as a pillar of strength, a beacon of joy, and a guardian of tradition. His life’s work, lived in faith and service, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend, neighbor, or brother. In honor of his memory, the family welcomes prayers, messages of support, and continued unity among the communities he helped shape.
Paul Perillo’s legacy is one of laughter, loyalty, and love—a life beautifully lived, now peacefully at rest.
