EDWARD EARLY PERARIA SR. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 3, 1884 to Frank and Ellen Peraria. The 1910 Census shows him living with his parents, wife Frances and brother Frank in Philadelphia. By September of 1918 Edward Peraria had moved to Camden. He and his family were living at 319 Birch Street in North Camden.

The 1920 Census shows Edward and Francis Peraria and their children Edward Jr. and Francis living at 232 Main Street in North Camden. He was working as a plumber. The family was still living at that address as late as 1930. Sadly, Frances Peraria passed away in 1937. By the time the 1940 Camden City Directory was compiled Edward Peraria and his family had moved to 2927 Mickle Street in East Camden. He married in the mid-1940s to Mrs. Minnie Webb. Edward E. Peraria was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 29, 1920. He reported for duty with Engine Company 6 at Front and Linden Streets. On August 27, 1935 he was transferred to Engine Company 7. He returned to Engine 6 on October 19, 1925. On March 27, 1927 he was transferred to Engine Company 4. On April 16, 1928 he transferred once

again, this time to Engine Company 9, where he was remained through April 28, 1935 when he was sent to Engine Company 2 to serve as District Chief's Aide. In addition to his duties as a firefighter, Edward E. Peraria Sr. also was employed by the city to perform plumbing maintenance at police and fire facilities from 1928 to 1944.

On January 1, 1950 Edward Peraria Sr. was sent to Ladder Company 3. Having reached the age of of mandatory retirement, he was detailed to Commissioner E. George Aaron's office on November 1, 1951. Edward E. Peraria Sr. retired on pension February 29, 1952. He and his wife Minnie were living at 568 Washington Street in the mid-1960s. Minnie Peraria passed away on January 1, 1966.
Edward Peraria spent his last days as a resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He passed away on June 3, 1966.

Edward Peraria Jr. joined his father in the Camden Fire department in the late 1930s. He was still with the Department as late as 1942. Edward Peraria Sr.'s brother, William Peraria Sr., served for 34 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in 1945, and his son, William Jr. was also a career Philadelphia firefighter