DR. ROBERT "HUGH" PEERY

PEERY DR. ROBERT "HUGH"
Age 83, died Jan. 10, 2015, in Pittsburgh. Born in Stillwater, OK, he graduated from Tulsa Central High School where he was a two-time state wrestling champion and an Eagle Scout. He was a gold medalist in the 1951 Pan American games, a three-time NCAA wrestling champion, and a member of the 1952 US Olympic Team. Hugh attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he wrestled under the coaching of his father, the late Rex Peery. He was a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 1954, he was awarded the Post-Gazette Dapper Dan Award. In 1956, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Hugh served his country as a Lt. Commander in the Dental Corps of the US Navy. Upon returning to Pittsburgh, he practiced dentistry for over 50 years in the North Hills. He is survived by his son, Jeff (Sheree) Peery; daughter, Cynde Wirth; his sister, Ann Ritter; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta; son, John Peery; and his brother, Ed Peery. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center; www.freecarepgh.org. Please use dropdown: Robert "Hugh" Peery DMD Memorial Fund. Funds will be designated for the free dental care program, or by check (indicate Hugh Peery on memo line) and send to 212 Ninth Street, Pgh., PA 15222. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, www.nwhof.org/support, or 405 W. Hall of Fame Avenue, Stillwater, OK 74075, or The Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Arrangements with GEORGE A. THOMA FUNERAL HOME, INC., Wexford, PA.
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