05/28/2026
It was a great privilege to nominate John DePerno for the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame and an honor to recognize him at a special ceremony in Albany yesterday.
Affectionately known as "Captain John," John, who recently turned 102, is a U.S. Army veteran who selflessly served his nation during World War II and has remained committed to improving his community and region.
He is the epitome of the "Greatest Generation," and we are eternally grateful for all that he has done on our behalf.
John's bio is below:
John DePerno, of Utica, is a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served as a Private First-Class during World War II.
Born to Italian immigrants in Utica in 1924, Mr. DePerno, who recently turned 102, served in the 133rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion from 1943 to 1946 in Northern France, the Rhineland in Germany and Central Europe. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Mr. DePerno was recognized for his service with the American Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
Upon returning from military service, Mr. DePerno graduated with a bachelor’s in economics with the first class at Utica College of Syracuse University (now known as Utica University). He married his high school sweetheart, Mafalda (Mitzi) DePastene in 1947. The couple was blessed with four daughters: Marianne, Elaine, Dorthea and Joni. Through the years, Mr. and Mrs. DePerno joyously watched their family expand with the addition of six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Known affectionately as “Captain John” and for his smile, positive outlook and enjoyment of talking with people, Mr. DePerno is a legend in the local restaurant and hospitality industry. While driving tractor trailer for Gold Medal Foods, he and his wife ran several games on the Sylvan Beach midway on weekends. He managed the Carlton Beach Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. From 1954-1982, he owned and operated the famous Forest Hotel, a busy and trendy night club, and The Castle of Fun, a cool spot for kids on the midway in Sylvan Beach.
Mr. Deperno would achieve his goal of creating a highly successful restaurant where his family could eat together, work together and be together when Captain John’s Restaurant, a business he designed, built and operated, opened in 1973. Today, you will still see Mr. DePerno in front of Captain John’s Restaurant donning his white captain hat, greeting passersby and opening the door for customers while regaling them with stories.
Active in his community, Mr. DePerno was a founding member of the committee to incorporate the Village of Sylvan Beach, the Oneida Lake East Shore Merchants Association (OLESMA), the We Care Village Booster Club in Sylvan Beach and the Sylvan Beach Beautification Committee. Additionally, he served on the Sylvan Beach Planning Board for nine years and was a Village Trustee for 12 years. He also was the founder, creator and editor of the “We Care Village News,” a monthly newsletter distributed to village residents outlining ways to make their newly founded village stronger along with a plethora of fun local news and events.
