Obituary of Perry Stio
Perry Stio, 72, passed away suddenly on Saturday, October, 12, 2024, at his home in Yardley, PA.
Born in Newark, NJ to the late Vincenzo and Irene Stio, Perry grew up in Avenel, NJ, and settled in Piscataway in 2000. In 2023, he relocated to Yardley, PA, where he has lived since.
Following graduation from high school, Perry continued his education at Jersey City University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. He then attended Kean University, where he received two Master’s Degrees in Education Administration. Perry eventually went back to school to earn a PHD in Early Elementary Education from Rutgers University.
Perry was a proud teacher and principal. From 1974-2005, he taught throughout the Piscataway School district, in M. L. King Intermediate School, Eisenhower Elementary School, Grandview Elementary School, Conackamack Middle School, and Randolphville Elementary School. In 2005, he left the classroom and became the Principal of Randolphville Elementary School, until his retirement in 2013. It was during this time as an educator that Perry impacted the lives of many students, helping mentor them through life. Both in the school and out, he was a role model for those around him.
Through the years, he was an adjunct professor at TCNJ and Jersey City University, and donated his time building schools in Guatemala. Following his retirement in 2013, he continued to educate as a substitute teacher several days a week.
Perry was a member of the New Jersey Retired Teachers Association and held the position Chair to the Young for the Middlesex County Retired Teachers Association. He was a generous supporter of the Friends of the Library Program in Piscataway. He enjoyed traveling with his friend Joan, spending time at Bradley Beach, and making homemade Sangria. When Perry wasn’t sending cards to his loved ones, he was on the phone with them (likely on speaker!) . Above all else, it was the time spent with his grandchildren that Perry cherished most of all. Whether he was on a sideline at a game or holding a bouquet of flowers at a dance recital, or just being with them at home, the moments with them were the most meaningful to him.
Predeceased by his son Nicholas and grandson Elijah, Perry leaves behind three children, Stacy Clift and her husband Byron, Gina Stio, and Vincenzo Stio and his wife Danielle; and grandchildren, Eliana, Luke, Mia, Samuel, and Alice.
A visitation will be held at Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM.
A funeral service will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 208 Bound Brook Road, Piscataway, NJ, on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 AM. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home prior to services, beginning at 9 AM.
Cremation services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the Stio family has requested that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, in Perry’s name