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Tony Perri Obituary

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of a loving husband, father and nonno, Tony Perri on September 11th, 2020, in his 72nd year. Loving husband and best friend of 45 years to Clodette (Leoni), devoted father of daughter Bianca (Mario) Carrara and son Marco, adoring nonno and best buddy of Sebastian, audition chauffeur and mani / pedi partner of Gemma & Jade. Tony was the loving brother and brother-in-law of Joseph and Frances, Angelo (2013) and Maria, Frank and Carmela, Leo and Leontina (2018) Leoni. Tony is now reunited with his parents Bernardo and Angela Perri and his in-laws Orlando and Livia Leoni. Tony leaves behind loving nephews and nieces, cousins and friends. Tony's personality was larger than life and he impacted so many people throughout his life and career. Starting with his band, Stardust, he was the musical backdrop to many people's memorable life events. His ownership of Perry's Roadhouse that brought amazing food and entertainment to customers in the Hamilton-West Area. He later became a teacher and inspired countless students and challenged them to basketball free throw competitions, claiming to be undefeated through to his retirement. He continued his passion for education by twice serving as a School Board Trustee in Wards 3 and 4. He also never let go of his love of music by starting a DJ company where he made it his mission to ensure that every couple he worked with had the wedding party of their dreams. Finally, he put his full character on display through his professional acting gigs in national commercials, TV shows and movies. We are eternally grateful for the compassion and care shown by the first responders, emergency medical technicians, and doctors & nurses of the Juravinski Hospital. Tony had an unwavering commitment to children in need and was a longtime committee member of the Charity of Hope, and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the Charity of Hope would be appreciated. Visitation will be held at FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL, 43 Barton Street East (near James) on Wednesday September 16th, 2020 from 4-8 p.m. Guests will be required to wear a mask. Due to capacity restrictions, you may be required to wait. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Thursday September 17th, 2020. at 11 a.m. The same restrictions will apply at church in addition to a capacity limit. Cremation to follow. Tony...you lived your life to the fullest, and in turn you filled our lives with laughter and love. Your passing has left a void that we will try to fill with the lifetime of memories you have given us. "The day we meet again, We will walk in peace through the garden, down the road, Where the mist of time is lifting" ~The Moody Blues (Tony rushed the stage at every concert)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hamilton Spectator on Sep. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Tony Perri

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28 Entries

Michelle LeBlanc

May 3, 2021

My favourite memory about Mr. Perri was a Shania Twain concert back in the late 90s. As a student of his at Loyola, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when I arrived at school the next day after a Shania Twain concert to find out Mr Perri was there too. I had been invited on stage the night before to dance with Shania and low and behold, Mr Perri was in the first row and he took photos of me! I loved seeing my teacher on TV commercials every so often. And I loved having him DJ my wedding back in 2012! I was sad to learn of his passing a few months ago. Rest In Peace Mr Perri. Condolences to his family.

Michelle LeBlanc

May 3, 2021

My favourite memory about Mr. Perri was a Shania Twain concert back in the late 90s. As a student of his at Loyola, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when I arrived at school the next day after a Shania Twain concert to find out Mr Perri was there too. I had been invited on stage the night before to dance with Shania and low and behold, Mr Perri was in the first row and he took photos of me! I loved seeing my teacher on TV commercials every so often. And I loved having him DJ my wedding back in 2012! I was sad to learn of his passing a few months ago. Rest In Peace Mr Perri. Condolences to his family.

Sharon and Anthony Buzzelli

September 18, 2020

Sincerest condolences to Clodette and family. As friends and co-workers we enjoyed many hearty laughs with Tony. May the years of good humour and cherished memories be a source of solace to each of you during this very sad and difficult time. In deepest sympathy...Sharon and Anthony Buzzelli

Don and Mary DeMasi

September 17, 2020

We met Tony and Clodette when their son Marco played soccer with our son on Mount Hamilton Soccer Team. We enjoyed their company on the soccer field. It was obvious they were a loving family. We continued to see them at various dinner dance venues where they entertained us immensely with their DJ music business. They never forgot us and always greeted us with the same warmth and respect. Our hearts were broken when we heard of the loss of a special man and loving husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

John Traina

September 17, 2020

My most sincere condolences to Clodette and family. R.I.P. Tony!

Jim McKee

September 17, 2020

I would like to send you my deepest condolences. I only met Tony and Clodette a few years ago but I so enjoyed his company and great sense of humor. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all that had the pleasure of meeting him.

antonietta Marrone Pacifici

September 17, 2020

To Perri family my heart felt condolences, May God give him eternal peace, my prayers are for Clodette and family

SM DiGiandomenico

September 16, 2020

Tony was larger than life. It was always a joy to be around him. He was always happy and that happiness transferred to you as well. He was kind and generous, never said no if you needed a favour. His music duos with Clodette were something special. He will be dearly missed but we will always remember him fondly and it will bring a smile to our face as we remember the occasions we shared with him. Forever in our hearts.
Deep condolences and love to Clodette, Bianca, Marco and the rest of the Perri family.
Sam and Marg DiGiandomenico

George Czutrin

September 16, 2020

Tony was someone you couldn’t help but like, as he made you feel good and he did good.

With condolences to his family, May his memory be a blessing

Paul Lino Labate

September 16, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. R.I.P. Tony. I'll never forget our good times in grade school at St. Anns.
Clodetta, I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family. Your formwe neighbor and friend.
Paul L. Labate

L J Clarke

September 16, 2020

There is not enough words or emotion to express this loss.
Thank you Tony and your special family for being part of our HBCC family.
As always..Hugs to all

Chris Fuller

September 16, 2020

Jody and I taught with Tony at Assumption Catholic Secondary School and he became a friend whose big heart and fabulous sense of humour was always front and centre. We were small players in his very big world but Tony made everyone feel valued and important. He and his wonderful stories will not leave us. Especially his story of being on set with Frank Sinatra!!
We loved Tony Perri.

Our thoughts and prayers go out Clodette, Bianca and Marco.
Sincerely,
Chris, Jody and Chloe Fuller

Michael Jewell

September 16, 2020

Thank you for staying connected with me for all these years Tony.

I will truly miss you my dear friend.

I have had the pleasure of experiencing Tony for almost 60 years, from our first meeting as opponents during a CYO - Grade School football game, (St. Bridget’s vs Blessed Sacrament), and then later as perpetual, winning team mates at Cathedral Boys’ HS in the mid sixty’s.

Tony always was a leader, a winner, who was committed to whatever team he played with, most importantly to the team he and Clodette raised; the DJ team; the School Board team; his classrooms; business and the many, many friends and family members he had over the years.

Although like most high school people, especially those who travelled and/or moved, we didn’t stay in regular contact over all the years, however whenever we did reconnect during my visits back to the Hammer we had visits full of fond and fun memories.

More of late sharing pictures of our kids, grandchildren; stories etc.

Clodette, nothing more I can say, other than you were truly blessed to be married and raising a family with such a man of integrity.

Roberto Ficzere

September 15, 2020

Oh Tony... You and I always had some great chats... Rest in Peace my friend. My condolences to the Perri Family.

Jeff McCoy

September 15, 2020

I had the privilege of working for Tony 35 plus years ago at Perry's. Not only was he my boss, he helped me immeasurably in numerous other ways. Sincerest condolences to Clodette, Bianca, Marco and all family and friends. We've lost a gem.
R.I.P. Tony ❤

Vincent Deery

September 15, 2020

Wonderful memories working in Tony’s Restaurant you will be sadly missed RIP. Vincent Deery

Michael Ryan

September 15, 2020

I knew Tony from Cathedral Boys High school. He was a great guy and am very sad to know he is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family

Peter Petrossi

September 15, 2020

Sad news! Condolonrces to the family!

It's been a long journey since the days at St. Brigid's school. Met numerous times over the years. Certainly hard working and determined. Sorry to hear what has happened.

Mary Catharine Lawlor

September 15, 2020

I was an old classmate of Clodette's at Cathedral Girls. I knew Tony from St. Anthony's parish where I used to come in from Ancaster to be part of St. Anthony's entry in the annual CYO drama festival. Tony was so good-hearted, funny, and a great supporter. Sounds like he never changed. That's a nice thought. Sincere condolences, Clodette, to you and your family on this weighty loss. Prayers going up from the West Coast, Hamilton-bound.

Terry Mote

September 15, 2020

From the moment we met, we were friends. Both Italian, same age, both grew up in Hamilton, with so many memories in common. I always enjoyed our lunches and visits together, talking about any old thing. He was a gentleman, and a great guy - I will miss him.

Emma Fisher-Cobb

September 15, 2020

Mr. Perri made a world of difference in my life during a really challenging year of high school. I am eternally grateful for his kindness, humour, and empathy during that time. My sincere condolences to his entire family. Mr. Perri made a life-long impact in the lives of so many students.

Jim Kennedy

September 15, 2020

A much admired school mate from Cathedral HS who will be sadly missed.

Kim & Carol Krouse

September 15, 2020

Our neighbourhood has lost a familiar figure, our dear friend Tony. It wasn't long after he moved in across the street that we became good friends. We will miss seeing him sitting in his favourite chair out front, talking with everyone that walked by. It's hard not seeing him sitting there now, but we will try to find solace in knowing that he is "Up There", being a friend to his new neighbours".
Tony we miss you!

Ian Newnes

September 15, 2020

Rest In Peace . You will be missed. My deepest condolences to Marco and family . God Bless .

Nicolino Giannini

September 15, 2020

Had a great visit with Tony last year had not seen him for many years..did business with him when he had Perry"s restaurant in Westdale ..He loved my T-bone"s ...Im glad I got to see him and remissness..My deepest condolence to Clodette and family .."Grieve Not Nor Speak of Me With Tears ...But laugh and Talk If I were Beside You" ..RIP Amigo

Ken Allen

September 15, 2020

Got to meet and reminisce with Tony about our High School years at Cathedral Boys very recently. We talked for hours about Tony's antics. Was hoping to get together again soon unfortunately it was not to be. I will miss him. Rest in Peace Tony you have touched many people and will be missed.

Angelo and Anna Marie Venditti

September 15, 2020

Tony brings back many childhood memories. We both had music in our veins. Our condolences to Clodette a member of the Sons of Italy Choir. Tony may you rest in heaven in the arms of our Lord Jesus.

Rick Loreto

September 15, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Tony's family on his passing. Tony and I attended the University of Windsor together and I later played in his band, Stardust. May he rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Memorial Events
for Tony Perri

Sep

16

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL

43 Barton Street East (near James), ON

Sep

17

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King

ON