PERA, Hubert, 1937—February 6, 2023
Hubert Pera, age 85, of Philadelphia, died on Monday, February 6, 2023, within the vigilant care of his wife and daughter.

Hub was the beloved husband of Sara Pera, who was the love of his life for more than sixty years. He was also the cherished father of Kimberly P. Leach, the adored grandfather of apple-of-his-eye Esme, the dearest father-in-law of David, the much-loved uncle of Danielle, Amanda, and Brooke, and the precious cousin of Norma Baba-von Thun. He is also survived by other loyal and loving family members, including in-laws and nieces and nephews, for whom he was grateful. He was in every way a devoted and doting spouse, dad, pop-pop, uncle, brother, son, family member, and friend.

Born in 1937, Hub was a graduate of Olney High School, where he especially liked varsity track. Following in his father's footsteps, he built his career in the plumbing supply business, retiring in his early seventies. Hub very much enjoyed his career, which included managing the Philadelphia branch of Graff Valve and Fittings Co., alongside respected mentors, colleagues, and friends, and working for Economy Plumbing and Heating Supply. He was a more-than-sixty-year member of the Plumbers Union Local 690 and proud of it. Attending the annual union children's Christmas party was a highlight for him even when his adored college-aged granddaughter was too old to sit in Santa's lap, and he delighted in going with his past-middle-aged daughter to see friends and have a hot dog and a cola there last December. Hub was a native English and Aramaic speaker, and his ability to speak the language of Jesus informed his deep faith. He was also a wise and global thinker. Along with his wife, he was privileged to travel to Europe, Asia, South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. His wife, daughter and family will always remember their amazing trips together, including his joyful granting of his granddaughter's wish to return to Venice, Italy in 2018. His favorite country was the United States, and he was gratified to see many parts of this nation. He served in the United States Army and was a proud veteran. Hub had friendships that spanned decades and venues, and his friends meant a great deal to him. His family and friends' warm memories of Hub are too numerous to mention but include his formidable talents as picker of an always-perfect Christmas tree; conductor of an enchanting miniature railroad; purveyor of the perfect peach and of the sweetest apples, melons, and pie; and chef of the most extraordinary Assyrian rice with each individual grain of Basmati rice and the accompanying noodles baked to perfection. (He knew plenty of other yummy family recipes too.) Hub was also a champion Hallmark Christmas Movie devotee, hopeful sports watcher, questioning star seeker, befriender of dogs, flea market lover, picky cheesesteak assessor, and diner-breakfast-lover extraordinaire. He was no nonsense, generous, warm, witty, smart, selfless, curious, prepared, and incredibly loving. He cared about everyone and rejoiced when they were glad.

We send a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Metro and Dr. Dan Kaplan and to the amazing team at Fox Chase Cancer Center, especially Dr. Matthew R. Zibelman, Nurse Practitioner Susan Roethke, and Nurse Chris, whose compassionate and unwavering medical care added many quality years and happy family birthdays and other events to Hub's wonderful life. While our hearts are broken, they still hold endless gratitude. Most of all, THANK YOU, HUB. We love you always.