John Russell Pernal

John Russell Pernal
March 3, 1959 – August 16, 2025

Rusty passed away peacefully at his home in Port St. Joe, FL, after a long battle with PSP, with his loving wife and caregiver, Michele, by his side. 

Born and raised in Torrington, CT, Rusty graduated from Torrington High School, where he distinguished himself on the THS football field and excelled in many other school sports. 

Always drawn to Florida, he went on to graduate from the University of South Florida. He was a longtime resident of Marlboro, NY, where he raised his two children, Vanessa and Russell. They were members of Chapel Hill Bible Church where Rusty received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Rusty lived a full and active life, mastering every sport and endeavor he pursued. An avid snow skier, he also had a great fondness for water sports, particularly water skiing at the family cottage. A BMW enthusiast and mechanic, mountain biker, motocross and motorcycle rider, and certified scuba diver, Rusty embraced every adventure life offered. 

Florida always held a special place in his heart, as it was where he met and later married the love of his life, Michele. After their two children graduated college, they eventually retired to Florida and settled in Port St. Joe.

Their retirement was anything but dull - filled with travel up and down the East Coast, visits with family and friends, and the creation of countless wonderful and often funny memories. 

With delight, Rusty escorted his daughter Vanessa to wed Joseph Kraemer in Florida. He joyfully attended the marriage of his son Russell to Allison in New York. His final joy was seeing his grandson Luca Pernal take his first steps.

Rusty is survived by his devoted wife, Michele Pernal; his daughter, Vanessa Kraemer, and her husband, Joseph; his son, Russell Pernal, his wife, Allison, and their two children, Ezra and Luca. He is also survived by his mother, Judith Pernal; sisters, Pamela Pernal, Sandra Pernal, and Glen Thomas; Robin Fancher; and José L. DeJesus Toledo, along with many other extended family members and friends.

Rusty was predeceased by his father, John Pernal.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held at Long Ave Baptist Church (1601 Long Ave, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456) on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at  3:00 PM Eastern Time with a reception to follow.
A second Celebration of Life service will be held at: Echo Grace Community Church (128 Old South Plank Rd Newburgh, NY 12550) on
Saturday, Jan 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you donate in Rusty’s name to the foundation “Cure PSP” (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) https://www.psp.org/about-curepsp