Obituary: Kathryn Perino

Kathryn Perino, of Montclair, died on Nov. 28, 2019.

Ms. Perino was born on Nov. 24, 1939, in Jersey City, and lived in Montclair for 30 years.

She received her bachelor's degree from Jersey City State College and her master's from Seton Hall University. She taught for 38 years in the Union City school system, 37 of them in Emerson High School.

She was known as an extraordinary language arts and literature teacher who inspired students, and was gratified when they succeeded in school and later life.

Ms. Perino was captivated by children's literature and the Renaissance period. A Shakespeare enthusiast, she traveled to London many times attending plays at Shakespeare’s Globe. An avid reader of many genres, she could always be counted on for excellent book recommendations.

Her range of knowledge was tremendous; in the 1990s, she was a contestant on "Jeopardy!"

New York City, especially Manhattan, was Ms. Perino’s “playground" with Broadway and off-Broadway plays a feast throughout the years. Museums, shopping, and savoring dinners at various restaurants added to her enjoyment.

Ms. Perino was predeceased by her father, Felix, her mother, Edna, and her sister, Arlene.

She is survived by her devoted and caregiving friends Marjorie and Richard Zaccagna; her godson Richard (Natalie) Zaccagna, Matthew (Courtney) Zaccagna; by her cousin Adele (Paul) Maguire and family; and by longtime friends, colleagues, and countless students.

Visiting hours are on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park St., Montclair.

A funeral will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Church of the Immaculate Conception, 32 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair.

Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Memorial donations may be made to the Montclair Public Library. To leave online condolences, go to moriartyfh.com.