Salvadore Michael Perise, Sr.

Some people’s lives are not measured by recognition or status, but by the love they give, the lives they touch, and the legacy they leave behind. Salvadore Michael Perise, Sr. was one of those rare people. Sal was born November 15, 1942 in Independence, LA, son of the late Michael Perise, Sr. and Jennie Orlando Ferrara.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Salvadore peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 83.

Sal was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and an adoring great-grandfather. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than gathering with his family, sharing stories, watching his grandchildren grow, and his great grandchildren light up his world.

For 33 years, Sal faithfully taught high school, where he became much more than a teacher. He was a mentor, an encourager, and a friend. Long after students left his classroom, they remembered the lessons he taught, not just from books, but about life. He never forgot a single student he taught through all the years.

His hardworking spirit also led him to own and operate his own store, Sal’s Community Grocery in Tickfaw, LA where everyone who walked through the door was greeted like an old friend. He believed in treating people right and offering a helping hand whenever he could. His greatest calling, however, was serving the Lord. For many years, he faithfully served his church family with a willing heart and humble hands. He served as an usher and served communion to those who were not able to attend service. His faith wasn’t something he only reserved for Sundays. He attended daily mass which was the foundation of his life.

Those who loved him will remember his gentle smile, his steady presence, his wisdom, and the gift of time he freely gave.

He leaves behind a family who adored him: his sons, Salvadore Perise, Jr. (Tamra) and Randy Perise (Julie); his daughters, Julie Guzzardo (Jerome) and Jennifer Perricone (Paul); 12 grandchildren, Ryan Perise, Brittany Perise Gabriel (Lane), Blair Perise Waguespack (Brennen), Brady Perise (Sharon), Logan Guzzardo, Taylar McKee (Brad), Christopher Perricone, Cameron Perricone (Carol),Conner Perricone, Julianna Perricone, Leslie Cormier (Charlie); 18 great-grandchildren, Lathan McDonald, Carson Perricone, Charleigh Perricone, Caroline Perricone, Brinkleigh McKee, Oaklyn McKee, Ellie McKee, Paisley Gabriel, Riley Gabriel, Jude Waguespack, Lucas Waguespack, Anna Kate Waguespack, Mary Rose Perise and Josiah Perise, Kady Grace Cormier, Chloe Cormier, and Hudson Cormier; sister, Geraldine Perise Garafola (Sal); brothers, Michael Perise, Jr. (Jana), Donnie Ferrara (Charlotte) and Ronnie Ferrara (Janice). He also leaves behind countless friends, former students, neighbors, and church family whose lives are better because they knew him.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Anna Marie Giluso Perise; and grandson, Caleb Perricone; stepdad, Sam Ferrara; nephew and nieces, Lil’Mike III, Holly and Molly Perise; and nephew, Chad Ferrara.

While our hearts ache because he is no longer with us, we find comfort in knowing that he has heard the words every faithful servant longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He has laid down the burdens of this world and has been welcomed into the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, LA and on Wednesday, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church from 9 am - 11 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Colonial Cemetery Mausoleum in Independence, LA.