Heaven gained another angel when Al "Poppa" Pergola went home to be with Jesus on February 9 ^th , 2017. Always the entertainer, Al made his first big splash onto the pages of the Canton Repository as the first baby born in Canton, on January 1 ^st , 1930. After high school, he served in the US Army Band, where he discovered his love for Mexican food, while he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Later on, he was part of the traveling orchestra for Tommy Dorsey, where he performed with several celebrities, such as Redd Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, and others. After touring the country, he began his 50 career with the Stark County Engineers. He met the love of his life, his wife Penny, and soon became our family patriarch. Al continued to play his saxophone and keyboards with his fellow musicians, and performed session work for other artists. He made magic in the kitchen, cooking up authentic Sicilian Sauce, Meatballs, and Stuffed Peppers, just to name a few. He always did it his way. He leaves behind his loving family, lifetime friends, coworkers, fellow musicians, and his beloved dog Wonton. We will all miss him very much, and will never forget him or his famous one-liners. Calling Hours will be held at Rossi Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 15 ^th , from 12-2 pm, with a short service immediately following. Join us for a Celebration of Al's Life immediately afterward at the Courtyard Marriott in Belden Village from 3 -7 pm, in the ballroom.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to help defray funeral expenses.