Ernest Stanford Perona 94, of Diamond, IL passed away on Wednesday September 23, 2009 at his home. He was born in Virden IL on April 29, 1915.

Ernest served two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Wyoming and Washington State in 1933 and 1934, prior to being drafted into the Army on June 19, 1941. During WWII Earnest served in The Pacific Theater of operation in Australia, New Guinea, and in the Philippines with the 665th AAA McBattery. Earnest received the glider badge, one service stripe, four overseas service bars, American defense ribbon, with one bronze battle star, Philippine Liberation ribbon with one bronze battle star, and a WWII Victory Medal.

After service, Ernest worked as a laborer until retiring. Earnest was a resident of Coal City and Diamond for over 75 years. He was proud of his membership in the American Legion post 486, Dwight, IL and VFV post 4256 Madera Beach FL.
Earnest is survived by several cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Felicina and Dominick Perona and his brother Victor.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday September 26, from Ferrari Funeral Services at 9:00 am to The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Coal City for a 9:30 am mass of Christian burial. Father Robert Noeson will officiate with interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-8:00 pm At Ferrari Funeral Services, online guest book at www.ferrarifuneral.com. Or phone (815) 634-4040 for information.

Memorial contributions in Earnest's name to the Coal City Veterans Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 98 Coal City, IL 60416 would be appreciated