Lydia "Ann" Perillo

In Loving Memory of a Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Iconic Restaurant Owner

Lydia “Ann” Perillo, a pillar of our community, has bid us farewell, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. On May 25th, 2023, our community mourns the loss of a remarkable woman who touched countless lives as a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a revered restaurant owner.

Born on May 20th, 1945, Ann grew up in Atmore, Alabama but found her way to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she met her beloved late husband, Gerard J. Perillo, at a local restaurant called Joe & Eddies where she worked as a waitress.  Their journey would take them on an incredible lifelong adventure of raising a family, building an iconic restaurant and establishing themselves as pillars in the local community for more than 62 years. 

Joe & Eddies Restaurant quickly became a treasured local institution, attracting customers from far and wide. It was a place where families gathered, friends reunited, and new connections were forged over the tasty dishes, soups, and desserts prepared by Ann's talented hands.

Beyond the daily specials she served, it was Ann's dedication to the business and customers that truly set her apart. She welcomed everyone who entered her restaurant with open arms, ensuring that each visit was not just a meal, but an experience filled with laughter, conversation, and a sense of belonging. Her love for her patrons knew no bounds, and her smile could light up the room, making everyone feel like family.

As a mother, Ann exemplified love, devotion, and sacrifice. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. She was their rock, providing unwavering support through life's joys and challenges. Her love expanded to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she watched them grow, offering them wisdom, laughter, and an endless amount of support. 

If Ann was not at the restaurant, you could find her at a local store buying lottery tickets for herself and anyone with her at the time, or she would travel to Biloxi with family or friends to play the slots.  Lottery tickets were an easy “go to” as a gift for her birthday, Christmas or even Mother’s Day. Her eyes would light up, and she would scratch away!

Today, as we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we find solace in the memories she leaves behind. Her love, passion, and zest for life will forever remain in our hearts, serving as a guiding light for all who had the honor of knowing her. The legacy she and Gerard built as iconic restaurant owners and as a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother will continue to resonate in our community for generations to come.

In our grief, let us celebrate Ann's life and honor the countless ways she enriched our lives. Let us remember her infectious smile, her sumptuous creations, and her unwavering love. As we gather to pay our respects and bid her a fond farewell, let us find comfort in knowing that her spirit will forever live on, embraced by the community she loved so dearly.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Ann. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will forever be cherished.

Ann is survived by her children, Vicki Perillo, Gerard (Tracy) Perillo, and Eddie (Carrie) Perillo; her grandchildren, Heather (Dakota) Hinesley, Sara (Sonny) Colangelo, David (Bri) Hinesley, Zack (Sam) Hinesley, Tyler (Natalia) Perillo, Austin (Jai) Hinesley, Desiree Dati, and Anthony Perillo, Noah Perillo, and Ethan Perillo; her great-grandchildren, Maddox Hinesley, Silas Hinesley, Mylah Hinesley. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerard J. Perillo.

The funeral service will be held at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with interment following at Beal Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.