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Plumber wants to keep working after $136 million Powerball jackpot

 
Anthony Perosi, right, holding a copy of the winning power ball ticket and his son Anthony Perosi III smile Thursday at New York's Lottery headquarters. The father and son shared the $136 million Powerball prize. [Associated Press]
Anthony Perosi, right, holding a copy of the winning power ball ticket and his son Anthony Perosi III smile Thursday at New York's Lottery headquarters. The father and son shared the $136 million Powerball prize. [Associated Press]
Published June 4, 2015

NEW YORK — A Staten Island plumber who has won a $136 million Powerball jackpot said Thursday he wants to keep working — but also plans to "relax a little more."

Anthony Perosi, 56, left his March 14 ticket pinned to the wall behind a basement pipe for six weeks.

A friend had told him where the winning ticket had been purchased, but she thought a teacher had won. So he took his time checking the numbers, which he had chosen randomly.

"When I saw all the numbers matched up, I panicked," Perosi said. "I immediately called my son and asked him to come over right away!"

Anthony Perosi III did what he was told.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," said the 27-year-old. "I checked the numbers on my phone and it has been surreal ever since."

The cash value of the ticket came to $88.5 million. The father decided to share his winnings with his son, so dad gets a net lump sum of $38.6 million after required withholdings, and son pockets $16.5 million.

"I honestly don't know what my plans are right now," said the elder Perosi. "I want to continue to work, but will be able to relax a little more and not have any worries financially."

"I don't have words for it," said the son. "It's just unbelievable and a big relief; like a big weight is off my shoulders. I'll probably pay some bills, take a vacation, and then really take some time to think and plan for the future."