Anthony A. Perenzin Sr., 70

FITCHBURG — Anthony A. Perenzin Sr., 70, of Harvard Road, Shirley, former long-time Fitchburg resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in HealthAlliance Hospital/Leominster, after a brief illness.

He was born in Fitchburg on Oct. 8, 1939, the son of the late Leon A. and Alice M. (Landry) Perenzin and lived in Fitchburg for most of his life, before moving to Shirley a short time ago.

Mr. Perenzin was employed in the Maintenance Department of Fitchburg State College for many years, retiring in 2001.

He was a life-long member of St. Bernard’s Parish in Fitchburg, was a 1959 graduate of Ayer High School, enjoyed traveling to Twin Rivers Casino in Rhode Island and was a great sports enthusiast, especially his love of the New York Yankees. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Perenzin leaves two sons, Anthony A. Perenzin Jr. of Fitchburg and Nicholas A. Perenzin, and his fiancé, Shelly Counelis, of Westminster; two daughters, Sheila M. Forgues, and her husband, Peter, of Westminster, and Sherry L. Baker of Fitchburg; one brother, Ralph Perenzin of Princeton; one sister, Shirley Lanteigne of Shirley; seven grandchildren, Brianna Perenzin, Tyler Colecchi, Jared and Zachary Forgues and Jason and Matthew Perenzin and Melissa Baker; and one great-grandchild, Brendan Perenzin; and his best friend of 55 years, Peter Lambert of Shirley. He was predeceased by one sister, Joan Brown of New Hampshire in 2007.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445..

Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli Funeral Home directed arrangements.