LEO FRANCIS PERRON, JR.

- May 10, 2022

July 23, 1941

Leo Francis Perron, Jr. entered the Kingdom of Heaven on May 10th surrounded by his family after a lifetime full of love, laughter, learning, family, friendship, service, and guidance. Born and raised in San Antonio, he was the son of Leo F. Perron Sr. and Seawillow Fitzsimons Perron. Leo graduated from Alamo Heights High School and then enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin before later graduating from Texas Lutheran University with a degree in business. Leo found his passion and success in commercial real estate and spoke as an expert on land values and trends to local real estate forums. He was a leader in the local CCIM chapter and a founding member of the San Antonio NAIOP chapter, which later became the Real Estate Council. In addition, Leo helped found the commercial investment division of the San Antonio Board of Realtors. Leo sat on numerous boards including Bartlett Cocke, American Security Life, Northeast YMCA, and the San Antonio Country Club. He considered it an honor mentoring and collaborating with many friends and colleagues over the years, including his longtime business partner, Nick Campbell of Perron & Campbell. Beyond his business success, Leo had a reputation as a compassionate, giving individual who spent many hours helping others navigate life’s challenges through organizations like Al Anon and various cancer support groups in addition to the one-on-one conversations for which he always found the time. His impressive library is a testament to his lifelong enthusiasm for learning and reading, especially history and biographies. He loved to travel with his family and friends and was rarely seen without a camera on his many vacations with his daughters and grandchildren. His inquisitive nature was a constant source of anxiety for his family as there was not a barricade or no trespassing sign that kept him from getting the perfect shot. Big Bend was one of his favorite destinations, a source of renewal and a keen spot for photo-opportunities. He was an exceptional speaker and was always ready to give the perfect toast for any occasion. He would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. The siblings he nurtured, the wife he supported through a 27-year battle with breast cancer, and his daughters and grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Leo is survived by his fiancé, Lana Smidt; his daughter Tracy Perron Kirby and her husband Dr. Dan Kirby; his daughter Patricia Perron Bowen and her husband Tad; his sister Gay Kelley; his sister Penny Shephard; his grandchildren Emily Kirby Coats, Abigail Kirby Beavers, Patrick Miller Bowen, Asa Creighton Kirby, and Leo Michael Bowen; and his great grandchildren Madison and Mackenzie Coats. He is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Gayle Hissner Perron and his brother, Hugh Preston Perron. Many were blessed to have him in their lives. He leaves a void that cannot be filled and will be deeply missed. The family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks and appreciation to Axiom Hospice, specifically April and Leo’s nurses, Aaron and Martin, who were instrumental in helping navigate a challenging time. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Hemisfair Conservancy, P.O. Box 1262, San Antonio, Texas 78295, or SNIPSA, P.O. Box 90325, San Antonio, Texas 78209. There will be a visitation on May 22, 2022, from 5:30 -7:30 pm at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue. A Memorial Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 23rd, 2022, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan Street. For those unable to attend, may watch the livestreaming from the link within his obituary page at www.porterloring.com. Honorary pallbearers are Nick Campbell, John DeFoore, Val Hoey, the Reverend Michael Chalk, Jimmy Satel, and Hal Hammond.

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