Leroy J. Perry

Leroy J. Perry, 81 of Leroy Twp., passed away October 19, 2022 at UH TriPoint Medical Center. He was born January 7, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Adolph Fredrick Perry and Mae Anna Wachhaus Perry. He was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Perry was a member of Painesville United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 336. He graduated from Thomas W. Harvey High School. He enjoyed fixing anything that needed repaired. If it had a carburetor, he could make it run! He enjoyed watching NASCAR and would argue that no matter what the make of car that won that day was, it had Chevy power. He was a car enthusiast, often he would recite a list of cars and trucks that he had owned throughout his life. There are over 40 vehicles on that list. In the winter he would plow snow throughout the Painesville area. Then he would come home to blaze snowmobile trails through the woods for the neighborhood kids to follow. In the summer he coached in the Leroy youth program on and off for 15 plus years. He gave his children unconditional love and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was always willing to help anyone in need and expected nothing in return. He loved all animals especially his last Boston terrier, Penney.

Leroy started his work life at the age of 8 delivering the Painesville Telegraph. He later was employed by Sanborn Motors as a machinist eventually retiring from the Lake Metro Parks. In his retirement he worked for the Leroy Twp. Road Department. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran that would stand and salute for the National Anthem every time he heard it. He would always enjoy a good game of cards, primarily 31.

He is survived by his wife and life-long dance partner, Sheryl Ann (Thomas) Perry. They were married January 19, 1969 at Painesville United Methodist Church and celebrated 53 years together. He also leaves his children Amy (John) Svoboda, Tara (David) DeFelice and Todd (Sarah) Perry; grandchildren Cody and Andrew Svoboda, Preston DeFelice, Luke and Emily Perry and his brotherin-law Kim (Eva) Thomas and brother Don Perry as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ralph Perry.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 28th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Avenue, Painesville. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Gerald D. Kalb officiating. A private burial will take place in Williams Cemetery, Leroy. A celebration of life will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 29th at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester Street, Painesville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Painesville United Methodist Church, 71 N. Park Place, Painesville, Ohio 44077 or the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44106.