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HAMILTON: Former mayor, Roma chairman dies

Maurice Perilli also remembered for contributions to RWJ Hamilton.

by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — The community is mourning former mayor and one of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s “founding fathers,” Maurice T. ‘Maury’ Perilli, who died Nov. 25.
   Mr. Perilli, 95, served as mayor of Hamilton Township during his stint on the Township Committee, which began in 1960. During his tenure on committee, Mr. Perilli also served eight years as police commissioner, according to his obituary.
   He had previously served on the township Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board as well as the Mercer County Mosquito Commission.
   Mr. Perilli served on the board of RWJ Hamilton since 1970, when it then known as Hamilton Hospital. He was also the past chairman of the hospital board, served as chairman of the initial Hamilton Hospital Fund Drive in 1971 and was vice chairman and chairman of several other committees with the hospital.
   Also in 1970, according to the obituary, he began serving on the board of directors of Roma Bank and was appointed executive vice president nine years later. In 1991 he was named chairman of the board at Roma, a position he held until his retirement in 2011.
   Mr. Perilli was also a member of several local organizations including of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 31, New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, Hamilton Elks, the 200 Club of Mercer County, a trustee of Crime Stoppers of Greater Trenton, and a member of the Hamilton Partnership.
   He was born in Trenton to the late Armando and Agnes (Vannozzi) Perilli and was one of five children.
   Mr. Perilli had a lengthy career in printing and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. During his military service, he reached the rank of chief petty officer and was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Ribbon.
   In a statement, Skip Cimino, president and CEO of RWJ Hamilton, expressed condolences on behalf of the hospital.
   ”The RWJ Hamilton family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our founding fathers, Maurice Perilli,” Mr. Cimino said. “As a longtime board member, Maurice played a pivotal role in helping to build our hospital (formerly Hamilton Hospital) more than 40 years ago. Our thoughts are with his family as we remember and celebrate a great man for his countless contributions to Mercer County and his personal achievements.”
   Mayor Kelly A. Yaede also offered condolences.
   ”Mr. Perilli was a true pillar of the community who touched many lives. He transcended politics and was beloved on both sides of the aisle. He made significant contributions to the Hamilton Township we know today,” Mayor Yaede said in a statement. “It is a great loss to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
   He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 70 years, Josephine B. Perilli, his son, John A. Perilli, and his brother, William Perilli.
   He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Maurice “Chip” Jr. and Carol, Robert and Janet, Candace Perilli, and Richard Perilli, all of Hamilton; his brother and sister-in-law, Augustine “Gus” and Louise R. Perilli of Hamilton Square; his sisters, Louise Nalli of Beverly Hills, California, and Florence Hertel of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
   He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Denise Sansevero, Maurice T. III, Joanna, Matthew and his wife, Toni, Nicole, Marisa, and Alexa; his two great-grandchildren, Dane and Tyler, and many loving family members and friends.