Monsignor John Roberto Pernia

June 7, 1933 - January 11, 2019

Monsignor John Roberto Pernia was born on June 7, 1933 in Bohol, Philippines and died at his residence in Glendale, California on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the age of 85.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tagbilaran in Bohol on March 22, 1958. After his ordination, he served as associate pastor of the Tagbilaran Cathedral in Bohol and as Procurator of the Diocesan Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City. Subsequently, he joined the Military Ordinariate as Chaplain, first with the Philippine Air Force and then with the Philippine Constabulary (now Philippine National Police), attaining the rank of full Colonel. In 1988 Msgr. John moved to the United States and was incardinated with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, where he served in several parishes as associate pastor, pastor, and priest-in-residence. When he retired, he moved to Holy Angels Church in Daly City, California. In 2013, he was in residence at Mater Dolorosa Church until 2015, when he moved to be closer to his sisters in Glendale, California.

Msgr. John R. Pernia was the eldest of nine children, preceded by the death of their parents, Juan C. Pernia and Petra Del Mar, sister Milagros “Millie” (Ordoñez), and brothers-in-law Dr. Ildefonso Rodis and Eric Hugo. He is survived by sister Corazon “Zonie” (Rodis) of Glendale, California, Socorro “Corie” (Veloso) of Gilbert, Arizona, Rosario “Rosie” (Velasquez) of Falls Church, Virginia, Dr. Ernesto “Ernie” of Quezon City, Philippines, Joseph “Joe” of Calamba, Philippines, former SVD Superior General Fr. Antonio, “Tony,” of Tagaytay City, Philippines, Mercedes “Mercie” (Hugo) of Charlotte, North Carolina, their spouses Hernando Veloso, Dr. Manuel T. Velasquez, Elena, Ruby, twenty-four nieces and nephews, and thirty-four grand-nieces and grandnephews, living in the U.S. and the Philippines. Msgr. John and his siblings established a scholarship fund in memory of their parents to aid underprivileged children with their education and tuition in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines. In lieu of flowers, please send donations for the JCP-PMP Scholarship Fund to Joanna Pernia 342 Myrtle Street #202, Glendale, California 91203.

The funeral mass will take place on Thursday, January 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Church at 307 Willow Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (650) 583-4131. On Wednesday, January 16th, there will be a viewing at 5:00 p.m. and Vigil at 7:00 p.m.