Obituary for
Richard A. Perino
Richard Perino passed away peacefully at his family home in Silverton, Colorado from natural causes on March 20, 2011 surrounded by loving family members. Richard is survived by his wife Violet of 63 years and six children. Linda Perino Wiebe (Robert) of Farmington, NM, Larry Perino (Donna) of Silverton, CO, Shirley Perino Jones (Terry) of Lakewood, CO, Roy Perino (Jeannette) of Colorado Springs, CO, Ronnie Perino (Nina) of Eagle River, AK, and Sheila Perino Moser (Gil) of Farmington, NM, 15 grandchildren, 14.5 great grandchildren, sister Lillian Perino Jakino and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Marina Perino, brother Elio Perino, sister Leda Perino Satores Samples, grandaughter Kandi Wiebe Pierce, nephews Leroy Perino and Wayne Jakino.
Richard was born February 24, 1924 in Silverton, Colorado where he resided for most of his life. Richard worked as a young teenager delivering milk for the family dairy in Silverton. He lived in Denver, Colorado for a short period of time working for the railroad. Upon returning to Silverton he worked as a mechanic and a truck driver for a number of years including operating his own coal delivery business. He also worked at the Mayflower, Little Fora Mine, Standard Metals/Sunnyside until it closed, and P & G Mining until his retirement. He loved all aspects of mining and mining history. He had a passion for learning, exploring the mountains, mines, machinery, and conversing with people. He spent many hours exploring the surrounding area with family and friends. He was an accomplished accordion musician auditioning for the Lawrence Welk show. A position in the band was declined due to his love for the Silverton area. He was known to family and non-family as a local historian. He was an icon of his community donating his time and expenses to haul the material for the Christ of the Mine Shrine, served as a city councilman and mayor protem and county commissioner for many years.
He had a wonderful gift of gab and sense of humor. Richard was loved and will be missed by many. Memorial services pending for summer. Donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Association or charity of your choice.