Ronald S. Perry of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully, on Friday, October 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of the late W. Patrica (Craddock) Perry. Devoted father of Maryellen (Perry) Collins and her husband, Bernie, Ronald K. Perry and his wife, Sheila and Patrice (Perry) Berens and her husband, Michael. He also leaves behind nine treasured grandchildren, Dr. Andrew Collins and his husband, Dan Batchelder, Christine Collins Bunnell and her husband, William, Megan Collins Schmitt and her husband, Michael, Matthew Perry and his wife, Katie, Jessica Perry, Dr. Cassandra Perry, Alicia Perry, Caroline Berens and Emma Berens. He also leaves behind nine cherished great-grandchildren.

Ron was the son of the late Manuel Perry and the late Tiolinda (Roque) Perry, who both emigrated from the island of San Migel, the Azores, Portugal. Ron was the beloved brother of the late Alfred Perry and his late wife, Jean and the late Walter R. Perry and his late wife, Lorraine. Ron attended Somerville High School ‘50, the College of the Holy Cross ’54 and then entered the United States Marine Corps. A standout athlete in both basketball and baseball, Ron led Somerville High to the New England basketball championship in 1950 and was a key factor in two national championships, baseball ‘52 and basketball ‘54, for Holy Cross.

From 1957-1972, Ron made his mark at Catholic Memorial in West Roxbury, as a teacher, coach and mentor to innumerable young men. While at CM, his basketball teams won three MA state titles and amassed a record of 292 wins, 34 losses. He also successfully coached the baseball team during this time to both Catholic Conference and tournament appearances. Starting in 1972, Ron returned to Holy Cross, serving more than a quarter century as the Department’s athletic director, overseeing 26 men’s and women’s sports programs, including during the implementation of Title IX. Both CM and Holy Cross were Ron’s second homes and sources of great joy and fulfillment throughout his life, especially in his later years.

As talented and passionate of an athlete and coach as Ron was, his greatest strength and joy was his family. Ron met his wife, Pat, on a blind date and she would go on to become the love of his life, mother of their three beloved children and wife of almost 60 years. Nothing speaks to Ron’s familial devotion more than his care for Pat, who suffered a stroke and required close care for the last several years of her life. He loved his children and grandchildren just as much, embodying a steady and dependable presence, quiet kindness and constant source of wisdom and advice. Despite his athletic reputation and successes, to his family, he was just “Grampy” and they admired and loved him just as much as he did them.

Ron was a classic Bostonian, an avid sports fan with a Boston accent to match, but a soft spoken, stoic demeanor and deeply good character, guided by a strong faith. A class act until the end, he only ever had positive things to say about people. A life well-lived and well-loved, Ron’s remarkable legacy will live on through the many lives he touched in his over 90 years.

Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, November 1, from 4 to 8 PM, at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY. Funeral from the Gormley Funeral Home, Saturday, November 2, at 10 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass, St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St., West Roxbury, at 11 AM. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. To live stream the Funeral Mass, go to www.sttheresaparishboston.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to Catholic Memorial High School, 235 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA 01232.