Dr. Albert Perrelli, a retired dentist who went on humanitarian missions, died of respiratory disease June 29 at the Gilchrist Hospice Center. He was 80 and lived in Towson.
Born in Cosenza, Italy, he immigrated to the United States with his family and lived in Dundalk.
"He was the son of a toolmaker and entrepreneur, and he assimilated quickly," said his daughter, Ann Perrelli of Caracas, Venezuela. "He learned English and took on odd jobs to help support the family."
He was a 1948 graduate of Loyola High School, where he played football. He earned a degree at Loyola College and was a graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School. He served in the Army in Europe.
He established a dental practice in Dundalk and worked in a converted garage adjacent to his home. He later had an office on Merritt Boulevard and served many Bethlehem Steel employees.
Dr. Perrelli became active with the Mission of Mercy, a charity that brings free medical care to the poor and uninsured. He volunteered in Pennsylvania and also made a trip to the Dominican Republic to offer free dental services to poor communities. Family members said Dr. Perrelli often said, "Those who have much have much to give back."
Family members said he transformed a living room of a home to a temporary dental clinic and served patients. He improvised when tools, materials and equipment were limited. Through a translator, he trained local dentists about procedures and techniques.
He also volunteered at Beans and Bread in Fells Point.
A Mass was offered Friday at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Towson, where he was a member.
In addition to his daughter, survivors include his wife of 45 years, the former Harriet Baumiller; four sons, Frank Perrelli of Timonium, Tom Perrelli of East Greenwich, R.I., John Perrelli of Towson and Rob Perrelli of Chester; a brother, Robert Perrelli of Gaithersburg; a sister, Catherine Bragg of Linthicum Heights; and four grandchildren.