Robert Yetman Perinchief, born Jan. 31, 1931 (a palindrome) in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey, joined the heavenly choir on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at home surrounded by family in Silver Springs, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Kenneth and Mrs. Mabel Perinchief; and brother, G. Kenneth Perinchief.
Survived by wife, Dawn Perinchief of Silver Springs, Florida; daughters, Jessica Banks (Cam) of New Zealand, and Jen Pasch (Thomas) of Ocala, Florida; son, Timmy Boyle of Silver Springs, Florida; son, Paul; daughter, Karen; and son, Glenn; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Burt and Mrs. Hazel Perinchief of Lake Mary, Florida; sister-in-law, Joan Perinchief of Canby, Oregon; grandchildren Michael, Connor, and Griffin; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and “adopted” family through church, education, travel, and charity work through the 501st Legion.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1954; received a bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) in 1957; a master’s degree in 1958 and an education doctorate degree in 1964 from Teachers College/Columbia University (New York) – all in music education.
Dr. Bob’s teaching career spanned five decades as professor and teacher of music and humanities. It included teaching future educators and elementary school children in New Jersey, UW-Whitewater (1966-1990), St. Leo’s and Marion County Public Schools. He retired for the final time at age 84 in 2015.
At the same time he also was minister/director of music at various United Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in New Jersey, Wisconsin (including First United Methodist, Congregational Church-United, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – all of Whitewater), and Ocala, Florida.
Bob lived a life of service. He loved mission work and saying daily prayers while out walking.
He dedicated his life to teaching – not only music, but also through drug prevention programs (worldwide), writing children’s books and by example. He loved comparing life experiences with everyone he met. His curiosity and gregarious nature knew no bounds. Bob lived a life of advocacy. He marched on Washington with MLK, Jr.; he met great musicians of all colors and backgrounds. Bob saw no color or disability in anyone and he taught others to look beyond to what makes us all alike.
Dr. Bob wrote thousands of poems, several books and he created entirely new ways of teaching.
He was a lifetime member of National Education Association, National Association for Music Education (formerly MENC), American Choral Directors Association (life member #4) and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Bob’s love of people, music and culture led him to all of the continents, all 50 states, most of the islands, and all corners of Canada and Mexico.
He came, he saw, he lived.
Services will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41st AVE. Ocala, FL 34471 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021.
