Craig Perrone’s lifetime of support for Humboldt County    

Jeanne and Craig Perrone’s love story began in high school when he tapped her on the shoulder in class to borrow her notes. What started with sharing homework bloomed into a lifelong partnership dedicated to building up their beloved Eureka community.

Born at the original St. Joseph Hospital in 1947, Craig never forgot his roots. After earning a teaching credential from Humboldt State College (now known as Cal Poly Humboldt), he followed family tradition into the beverage distribution business, eventually
purchasing the Andrew Rosaia Company and renaming it DelReka Distributing. His motto, “Good is never good enough,” drove him through 60-hour work weeks for 25 years while quietly supporting countless community organizations, sports teams and local causes — most of it done anonymously.

Craig’s magnetic personality and gift for public speaking made him a natural community leader. When St. Joseph Hospital launched its campaign in support of a robust cardiac interventional and vascular program, Craig didn’t just donate; he rallied family and friends, emphasizing, “It’s our hospital and the community needs it.” The campaign’s success led to St. Joseph becoming a STEMI receiving center, providing life-saving cardiac care for the entire region.

In 1999, when Jeanne was diagnosed with breast cancer, they experienced firsthand the importance of having exceptional medical care close to home.

Ellen Mahoney, M.D., F.A.C.S., a renowned breast cancer specialist who had just relocated from Stanford University, became Jeanne’s surgeon and lifelong advocate. Dr. Mahoney’s pioneering Z-cut mastectomy technique, new to the region at the time, exemplified the leading-edge care available locally.

“I felt so fortunate,” says Jeanne. “Under her care I felt as if I’d just won the lottery. She welcomes each patient into her heart and soul. She’s the best of the best.”

The couple’s support continued with construction of the hospital’s north wing in 2012. Craig donated funds for room 2230, understanding that this was where their family, friends and community members would come for medical care. “We need to help with this,” he told Jeanne, and together they spread the word about the importance of the cause.

When Craig was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, his resolve only strengthened. Craig wrote to a friend, “While no disease is good, ALS is particularly brutal. It challenges one’s endurance and tests one’s faith. It is torturous in so many ways. It strips you of your dignity, but I refuse to give in to it. My spirits remain high and my faith strong.”

Despite the brutal progression of Lou Gehrig’s disease, eventually requiring a ventilator and wheelchair, he never missed his grandchildren’s sporting events. His red electric wheelchair became a familiar sight throughout the community, demonstrating that illness wouldn’t define his final chapter.

Before his passing in January 2021, Craig made one final gift to support Dr. Mahoney’s vision for comprehensive cancer care. Jeanne says, “Craig understood the need for strong cancer care in our area because we’d experienced it ourselves.”

Craig’s legacy lives on through his family’s continued community involvement and through
every patient who receives exceptional cancer care. As Jeanne reflects, “You always think you have tomorrow to make your plans, but if you have it in your heart, make it happen; don’t wait.”