Walter D. Perla

Walter D. Perla, 77, of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, peacefully passed from this life on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Geisinger St. Luke’s in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. He left behind a legacy of love that will be felt for generations.

Walter was born in Tamaqua on January 7, 1948, the son of the late John Joseph and Jeanne A. (Moser) Perla. He bravely served our country as a Specialist 4 (SP4) in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, carrying with him the discipline that helped shape every other chapter of his life.

While Walter had no children of his own, he helped to pass on his families' stories and instill values in his younger siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and even great-nieces and nephews. Walter's compassion for others was evident in his work as a Direct Support Professional and lifesharing provider for C.A.R.E.S. and Access Services. He had an unmatched sense of humor and ability to make those around him laugh - even in the darkest of times.

Walter loved his time shared with family anywhere, but especially around a table filled with great food. He was proud of his role as the official family food taster, savoring every bite and every story shared with those he loved. In his younger days, he found joy and freedom in horseback riding, yet it was the laughter, stories, and countless conversations shared with family and friends that filled his heart with the deepest happiness.

 Walter is preceded in death by his sisters Candice Perla-Filon, Martha Koch, Mary Ann Magone, and Sandy Perla; and brothers Jan Perla, John Perla, and Kevin Perla. He will be remembered with immeasurable love by his sisters Sheila Davison-Bray and her husband Jack, and Lori Miller and her husband Craig, and his brothers Gerald “Jerry” Perla, Eugene “Mig” Perla (wife Margaret, deceased), and Todd Perla. His memory will forever be cherished by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, whose lives he touched with patience, humor, and an enduring sense of family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Funeral Services will be held from the funeral home on Thursday November 13, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. Friends and family may call from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.

Interment with Military Honors bestowed Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Memorials in Walter's name to:

Disabled American veteran

860 Dolwick Drive

Erlanger Kentucky 41018

Remittance Processing/DAV in Memorial

Online condolences or a fond memory may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com