John Perry

John Samuel Albert Perry, 56, of Sylvania, Ohio, died after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family Saturday, June 10, 2023.

John was born the 7th of nine children in Jasper, Indiana, October 25, 1966 to the late George Perry, his father, who preceded him in death, and Barbara Perry of Mount Vernon, Ohio. At an early age, his love for constructing and working with tools was known to all. John graduated in 1985 from Mount Vernon Senior High School, where his father was the principal. He lettered in football, basketball, and track.

He attended the University of Toledo where he obtained his degree in civil engineering and played football. He was the starting fullback for the Rockets for three years. It is at UT where he met and married his loving wife, Debbie (Kowalski) Perry, December 19, 1992. John’s love of the Rockets led him and his family to attend every home game for the past 30 years, along with attending almost all the bowl games far and near.

John had an illustrious career with different firms where he put in place his engineering aptitude by building roads and bridges, driving all the heavy equipment he loved so much, and using his skills to rehabilitate and remodel homes with his wife and sons.

John lived life with gusto, faith, and joy with a never-ending smile on his face. He established life-long relationships with family and friends and enjoyed many interests, including traveling, playing golf, playing cards, and cookouts. John’s love of music played out his entire life. He played multiple instruments, was the drummer of the band Razor Sharp Objects (RSO) and attended many concerts with his wife and family. He and his family attended Christ the King Catholic Church.

John is survived by his wife, Debbie; his two sons, Sam and Jack; and two nieces to whom he was a father figure, Sarah and Megan; his mother, Barbara Perry of Mount Vernon, OH; mother-in-law, Lorraine Kowalski, (Charles, deceased) of Sylvania, OH; siblings, Marty Perry of Frankfort, KY; Mike (Lisa) Perry of Xenia, OH; Helen (Mark) Justice of North Captiva Island, FL; Bill Perry of Millersburg, OH; Dave (Sherri) Perry of Mount Vernon, OH; Ann Ford of Mount Vernon, OH; Joe Perry of Mount Vernon, OH; Amy Perry of Mount Vernon, OH; Dawn (Scott) Waniewski of San Diego, CA; and Tracy (Tim) Koralewski of Sylvania, OH; 21 nieces and nephews; and 43 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Arrangements have been made with Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623, for visitation on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where a Scripture Service will take place at 7 pm. The mass of Christian burial will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, OH at 10:30 am on Monday, June 19, 2023 with burial at Resurrection Cemetery and a luncheon to follow at Christ the King fellowship hall.