Obituary
Nancy J. Perko (nee Wargo), of Fort Myers, FL, passed away on January 24, 2023 peacefully at her home after fighting a near twenty-four-year battle against her own body. Nancy was strong in her faith and feisty by nature to the very end. She was born in Warren, Ohio to John and Josephine (nee Verna) Wargo on June 4, 1956. She went to Western Reserve High School in Warren, Ohio, and took classes as an adult at Lakeland Community College in Mentor, Ohio.
As a young adult, Nancy took pride in being a hard-working, independent, single mother. She loved to travel, dance, and rollerblade. Nancy lived for spontaneous adventures and walks on the beach. She worked as a pharmacy technician at Geauga Hospital in Chardon, Ohio; as an IT Tech Administrator at Polen & Battles Certified Public Accounts. an accounting firm in Burton, Ohio; as a travel agent; and as a ticket agent at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Ohio.
Nancy married John Perko on June 12, 1999, poolside at Fell Lake Park, in Northfield, Ohio. In 2006, they moved to Fort Myers, Florida. Nancy built a face-painting business, volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and enjoyed taking great care of her yard and her many plants. She loved wind chimes, palm trees and had a immeasurably deep affection for her dogs.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Josephine Wargo of Cortland, Ohio; her sisters Joanne Emery of Champion, Ohio; and Cynthia Walker of Vincennes, Indiana; nieces Michelle Jenkins (nee Suciu) of Warren, Ohio; and Concetta Suciu of Cortland, Ohio; and beloved fur babies Bosco, Tatum, Thumper, and Cookie.
Nancy is survived by her husband, John Perko, of Fort Myers, Florida; her daughter Heather Chiccarino (nee Hostetler); her granddaughter, Payton Riley Chiccarino; grandson, Lucca Joseph Chiccarino, and her son-in-law Anthony J. Chiccarino; all of Stow, Ohio; her brothers John “Butch” (Pamela) Wargo of Champion, Ohio; and Daniel Wargo of Niles, Ohio; her sisters Elizabeth (William Ross) Cantelmo, of North Jackson, Ohio; Mary Wargo of Cortland, Ohio; Cecilia Cummins of Howland, Ohio; Theresa (Robert) Naylor of Vienna, Ohio; Loretta (Fred) Estlack of Cortland, Ohio; brother-in-law Robert Emery of Champion, Ohio; and Dolores Wargo and Concetta Pagley both of Florida; many, many, nieces and nephews; friends, Tom Sullivan and Rosemary Adamski; and Nancy’s beloved handsome dog Charly.
The family of Nancy Perko would like to extend their sincere thanks to Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, in Fort Myers, Florida; Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Florida, and all the many doctors, nurses, and staff that worked tirelessly and unselfishly with Nancy throughout the years.
There will be no service held at this time: John and Heather are planning a memorial for Nancy’s birthday this year in Ohio. Details will be posted later.
In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family is asking that donations be made in her name at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
May she rest in peace.
You were so much loved by your family and particularly your husband ❤️ John, that even I who never met you can understand why and love you as well. You were so beautiful while here in this physical life, and your soul is also beautiful while you continue with work at the next stage of your life.
Nancy Perko, may your beautiful soul have eternal peace, with the peace of God which passes all understanding, through Christ Jesus. Amen