Last Thursday, January 26, 2012, the Minisink Valley community lost a dear friend. Bob Perino, the long-time owner of Perino’s Market in Slate Hill, passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends.
If you’ve ever attended an event at Minisink Valley, chances are you’ve been to Perino’s which is located a few hundred yards down the street from the school on Rt. 6. Whether it was for a cup of coffee, a sandwich, or to grab a quick snack for before or after the match, Perino’s Market has become synonymous with Minisink Valley athletics. Perino’s Market is only a store though. Bob Perino, the man, however, was the epitome of what “community” is all about.
Always there to greet you with a smile and a friendly “hello”, Bob’s legacy extends far beyond the four walls of any store. His generosity to Minisink Valley extra curricular activities was unparalleled. Nearly every team (youth through varsity), club, or program at Minisink Valley has approached Bob over the past 30 years for a donation, contribution, or sponsorship….and without exception, Bob would help out. Why? Because Bob Perino believed in sports. He believed in the life lessons learned through competition: preparation, perseverance, team work, winning with humility, and accepting defeat with character.
In an almost “chilling” coincidence, Bob passed away exactly six years to the day of another Minisink Valley icon, long-time wrestling and football coach John Bell. Mr. Perino and Coach Bell were good friends. Bob always made sure that Coach Bell was “treated” to his cup of coffee on game/match day. Perino was Coach Bell’s oldest son Chris’s first little league coach. Bell was the JV baseball coach for Bob’s two sons Robby and Jeffrey.
The Minisink Valley community will never be the same. Rest in peace Mr. Perino.
Well done, Mike. Everything you do for the Minisink community and Section IX sports is a tribute to Mr. Perino’s ongoing legacy, as well. Thank you.