Richard E. Perry

Richard Earl Perry, 92, of New Riegel, died at 9:10 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at his daughter’s home. He was born February 22, 1931, in Toledo, to Earl N. and Lucille H. (Siek) Perry and grew up there together with his parents and two younger brothers, Jack and Robert Perry. He married the love of his life, Joan Elaine MacDonald, on November 24, 1951, in Toledo. They resided in the Toledo area for 16 years, and she survives in New Riegel. 

Other survivors include four children, Thomas (Cheryl) Perry of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Lynn (Lenny) Clouse of New Riegel, James (Ann) Perry of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and Julie (Gary) Kinnear of Marion; 11 grandchildren, Robert Perry, Brittany Perry, Emily Hayes, Brian Clouse, Nicole Dorris, Lindsey Kalb, Alicia VanDenberghe, Kevin Perry, Sean Perry, Kendra Brunner, and Katie Kinnear; five great-grandchildren, Paityn Clouse, Andon Clouse, Aria Kalb, Jaxson Kalb, and Coley Dorris.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jack Perry and Robert Perry.

Richard was a 1949 graduate of Woodward High School, Toledo, where he graduated with honors and was valedictorian of his senior class. After graduating from high school, he attended The University of Toledo part-time and studied mechanical engineering. He was a member of the Family of Faith Lutheran Church. Richard’s profession was hydraulic engineering. He loved working on challenging problems. He had a curious mind and was always interested in learning new things. He also was a strong advocate of education and provided support to all of his children and grandchildren to help them to earn a college degree. In 1967, Richard started a new job with BorgWarner in Fremont. He purchased land and built a home in Old Fort and relocated there in 1968 with Joan and his family. After their children were grown up and out on their own, Richard and Joan’s son-in-law, Lenny Clouse, built them a home in Tiffin and moved there in 1989.
Richard retired in 1996 from S.G. Morris Company after working there for 26 years. He was a Senior Hydraulic Systems Engineering Partner and also served on the board of directors. After retiring, Richard and Joan bought a home in the Pine Island area of Florida and spent the winters there together with their dogs. In 2018, Richard and Joan sold their home in Tiffin. Richard spent the rest of his life together with his wife, living with his daughters Lynn Clouse in New Riegel and Julie Kinnear in Marion, who both provided love and care for him until his death.

Richard was an avid boater and owned several boats during his life. He loved boating on Lake Erie with family and friends. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and spent a lot of time riding with his friends. Richard loved dogs and owned many of them during his life. He had very fond memories of his Golden Retrievers Max, Sam, and Alex.

Visitation for family and friends will be 4-8 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883, 419-447-3113. 

The Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the funeral home, with Chaplain Tony Chawalek officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to ProMedica Hospice.

To send online condolences to the family, order out-of-town flowers, or to view the Celebration of Life video go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com

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