Dr. Francis X. Perna, M.D.

Dr. Francis X. Perna, M.D., 89, of New Cumberland, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023 in his residence with his loving wife at his side.

Dr. Perna was born in Philadelphia, the son of the late Carmen and Concetta (Donatelli) (Perna) Koran.  He was a graduate of Central High School, St. Joseph’s University and Hahnemann Medical School, all located in Philadelphia.  He served his internship at Harrisburg Hospital, then went on to study Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School but returned to Harrisburg Hospital to finish his residency in Internal medicine.  Following his residency in Harrisburg Hospital, Dr. Perna went on to Baltimore to attain a Fellowship in Endocrinology with the University of Maryland.  Upon completion of his Fellowship, he returned to Camp Hill to set up his own private practice, Francis X. Perna, M.D., where he specialized in diabetes and thyroid diseases.

Dr. Perna enjoyed music, especially jazz; traveling with his wife; and martial arts.  But what he enjoyed more than anything was spending time with his family who he loved dearly.  His grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as Popop, brought him endless joy.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Perna was preceded in death by his sister Stephanie Koran.

He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Judith “Judy” (Oblinger) Perna; sons, Mark Thomas Perna (Nina Kim) of Pittsburgh and Scott Francis Perna (Jonathan Leff) of San Francisco; three grandchildren, Emily Quinn Francis Perna (Josh Smith), Kira Kim Perna and Ian Kim Perna; and a great granddaughter Ripley Louise Perna.  In addition, the family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Tavin Johnson, Dr. Perna’s caretaker, whose compassion and countless hours of caring assistance enhanced Dr. Perna’s quality of life.

In keeping with Dr. Perna’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held at the convenience of the family to celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions in Dr. Perna’s memory to either the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation https://www.jdrf.org/ or to the Parkinson Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/