Tony Perone

LIFE Membership

I began a direct mail service in 1974. Back in those days, postage was affordable, but by just offering direct mail advertising it was becoming a struggle. In the late 70's I added list maintenance and offset printing. (No PC's yet) There were only a few companies in So Cal who offered a truly one stop shop. My company, The Processors, really began to grow in the early 80's. As technology in the printing field grew it was expensive to keep up with it, but very beneficial. I purchased the latest and greatest in 88 and another one in 1990. Those two presses did 4(FOUR) times the work of the three presses they replaced. It was really a joy going to work. Each day the challenge was different! I truly worked for the clients benefit and not for the paycheck. When speaking at career days in local high schools, I would always mention that as one important reason for success. A few years ago, we had over 60 employees...now that was a lot of work, but I was able to retire in 2004 due to my kids active involvement in the company. Today, The Processors, established in 1974, still provides a living for about 12 family's...and that makes me feel good!
UPDATE - November 2019 - As much as the commercial printing industry changed upward in the 90's and early 2000's, it took an even bigger change downward beginning in the early 20 teens. The Processors hung on as long as possible, but as of October 2019, it is no more. Technology was/is good for the world, but not so good for some industries...Printing being one of them. We had a very good run with The Processors, but my 'baby' went to the big ink spot in the sky. C'est la vie!!!

Holy Family School

Right out of high school, I bounced back and forth between my mom and dad in SP and Newport. After my 2 year Army gig, Wendy and I moved into an apartment on Fremont in SP. 1st and 2nd purchased homes were in San Gabriel. (They were right next to each other)! I have lived in San Marino since 1998. (Sometimes I get a little embarrassed telling SPHS students I now live in San Marino}
UPDATE November 2019 - Carolyn and I have decided that there is no reason to live in a big house in San Marino with just the two of us. So, we purchased a Townhouse in Arcadia, gutted it with hopes of moving in by the end of 2019 as we say good-bye to San Marino.

Our entire family moved to South Pasadena from Chicago in 1949. I graduated from Holy Family and South Pasadena High. Today, there are NO Perone's in SP.

My two older brothers graduated from South Pasadena High School. John in 1956 and Mike in 1960. John lives in Long Beach, while Mike lives in Indio.

Many of the class of 65 have a 'group page', so we keep in touch somewhat. I really don't 'bump' into anyone else too often.

There were so many cute girls at SPHS! I am so happy that Wendy Gann was one of them and that she put up with me for too many years to think about. I remember my good friends, Jack Biesek, Tim Bullock and Josh Moller, we hung out a lot. I enjoyed all the sport programs some I played in and others just to watch was enough. The day JFK was shot; being able to wear tee shirts; trying to be cool; meeting Wendy in the hallway and shaking her hand as we passed each other; Mr. Goto; Those days do seem like such a long time ago, and yet they could be yesterday!

I was a part of a few non profit boards, but after Wendy came down with Alzheimer's, I dropped out of all of them to care for her...now I have no desire to get back involved. Lazy I guess? I do still enjoy drumming up new business for The Processors (the company I established in 1974). I am a member of a few committee's at my church and it's school and at San Gabriel Country Club.

I consider my life a milestone. The success I've had in business and family is far beyond what I had expected. Being around family and not growing old alone has always been a goal...so far so good! Looking back at the world, as it was, that we grew up in, and the changes we had to make to keep up, it's a miracle we are still getting along. Just typing this on a screen and knowing it will become available to thousands of people at the push of a button....COME ON!

Hmmm, pastimes (that sounds so wastefull?) Time is way to valuable to just 'pass'. I know it does for all of us, so to rephrase a little...I try to spend as much time as possible with my grandchildren. I was so involved with my work in the 70's and 80's, that I, regretfully, missed much of my kids growing up. Wendy always said that 'God will restore the locus eaten years'. Referring to the time I lost with my kids due to spending so much time devoted to my company, but I never figured it out until my grandchildren came along. God is giving me back the years lost with my kids, through my grandchildren by really being part of their lives. My Hobby is golf, which most of the time becomes work. It is so frustrating and yet, nothing is better than hitting a great shot!!! It's a challenge to be humble after one. :o) I belong to San Gabriel Country Club and Sun City in Palm Desert.

Anything from the 50's and 60's...really. It's funny that when a song comes on the radio, I can name the group before the song...and how can I remember the words to a song I haven't heard for 50 years? Wish I could hold a tune?

This changes all the time, of course, but the one constant is the Bible. It never changes and was written by many different men who were inspired by God.

So, here is an updated 'what's happening in my life now' section. I was married on July 22, 2017 to a lovely and beautiful Christian lady. She has changed my life for the better....much better, and I am now a wonderful example of 'never say never' to getting married again after loosing a spouse! I still spend as much time as possible with my grandkids, trying to be a part of their life. I look forward to fulfilling a bucket list that we made up!!!
Update: Bucket list is becoming shorter as we cross off our trips.

It sucks getting old!!!!!!!!!!

Things you probably don't know about me: I've had neck surgery, hip replacement and knee replacement. I find it fairly difficult to get through TSA.

November 1967 - October 1969

Specialist 5...E5...Sergeant

Out of basic training at Ft. Ord, I was sent to Ft. Gordon, Ga to learn 31M20...Radio Relay Attendant. I was then sent to Butzbach, Germany in the middle of Vietnam, go figure. When I arrived at my company, they were in need of a Company Clerk, which I was chosen for. It turned out to be a very fortunate position. Because I needed to be in the Orderly Room daily, I had no guard duty or KP! After about 17 months in Germany, I was Honorably discharged and came home to South Pasadena...in one piece!

Really nothing. I received a Good Contact medal which everyone receives and the lowest rifle shooting medal. (I think I barely qualified with the rifle...I was fairly blind back then.)

Company Clerk (Radar O'Riley). Listening to almost everyone complain about everything and anything. I think the one thing I am most pleased of was talking young kids out of volunteering to serve in Vietnam because they had a fight with their Sergeant, or got a 'dear John' letter from home.

Ft. Ord, Ca - Ft. Gorgon, Ga - Ft. Dix, NJ - Schloss Kaserne, Butzbach, Germany.

I really disliked the army but went with a willingness to serve my country! I am a true patriotic! I love my country and when drafted, I went willingly. I planned on being assigned to Viet Nam but was sent to Germany instead...thank you God! Today, as I look back on my service in the Army, I realize it taught me discipline, (lacking at the time) obedience (lacking at the time) and humbleness (lacking at the time). The Army was good for me...maybe I didn't think that at the time, but it was a wonderful life experience. I am proud to say I'm a veteran.