Last week, the city of Mount Vernon announced the passing of a Department of Public Works (DPW) employee who was involved in a tragic accident earlier this week on 5th Avenue.
Juan Peralta Sr. was a skilled arborist and horticulturist. Before joining the City of Mount Vernon, he worked with Alpine Tree Service and the New York Botanical Gardens, amassing over 55 years of combined experience in the field.
The city has described his death as “a devastating loss” for both Mount Vernon and the Peralta family. His exceptional work ethic, passion for his craft, and dedication to his family and community made a significant impact. He will be greatly missed.
The City is also asking that everyone keep the entire Peralta family, along with his colleagues and friends, in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Juan Peralta.
Former Mayor Richard Thomas wrote, “Today, Mount Vernon mourns a quiet giant. Juan Peralta Sr. came to our city from the Dominican Republic in 1968 with nothing but love for his family, strength in his back, and a deep hope for a better future. He found that future in Mount Vernon, and helped build it for the rest of us. He worked with care, dignity, and a quiet pride that never sought recognition but always earned respect.
I had the privilege of making Mr. Peralta a permanent employee of the Department of Public Works because of the way he showed up for this city every single day. Whether trimming trees or keeping our streets clean and safe, he was steady. He was reliable. He was the kind of person who made this city work.
But Mr. Peralta didn’t just tend to trees. He planted something greater: a legacy, one that lives on through his sons Juan, Frank, and Ricky.
Juan has risen to become Deputy Chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, serving the people with the same commitment and humility his father embodied. Frank is a runner, a man of focus and endurance. Ricky, who was a standout baseball player back in the day, carries the same discipline and drive that defined his father. Each of them is now a proud father, upholding the values they learned from Mr. Peralta, hard work, quiet strength, and love of family.
I grew up with Frank and Ricky, playing manhunt on North Terrace Avenue with Nuno, Carlos, Celio, and the rest of the crew during Mount Vernon’s “Sandlot” days, back when the summer felt endless and we didn’t yet realize we were living in the golden moments of childhood. I had no idea then that the man behind the scenes … steady, humble, and watching over his family … was Mr. Peralta. That makes his legacy all the more real to me now.
The loss of Juan Peralta Sr. is painful, but the example he set lives on in his sons and in the city he helped shape. He showed us what it means to serve with love and to raise the next generation to go further.
Mr. Peralta lived the American Dream, especially as a parent seeing your children do better, be greater, and rise higher! That is the Mount Vernon story.
To the Peralta family, my heart is with you. Mount Vernon stands with you. And we will forever honor the life and spirit of Juan Peralta Sr.,”
Richard W. Thomas, Former Mayor, City of Mount Vernon.
