Michael J. Perry

1957 - 2023

On April 12th, Michael J. Perry, beloved husband of Deborah Perry, left this world and left his family and friends totally heartbroken.

Michael was born on July 3, 1957 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Joseph and Kathleen Perry.

Michael was the devoted father of Emory Perry, and stepfather of Philip, Luke, Joel and Liliana. In a previous marriage, Mike was also the stepfather of Christy Salamone, and the step-grandfather of Charlotte and Bradley.

He is the cherished brother of Greg Rigby, Susan Stuart, Rose Ann Perry, Maripat Fader (deceased), Joseph Perry, Marian Tamburrino, John Perry, Larry Perry, Nick Perry, Kateri Ottati, Gloria Quinn, Marty Perry and Peggy Perry. He is also survived by Deborah's mother and father, Barbara and Werner Lind, and two sisters-in-law, Rachel Lind, and Rebekah Fraser. Finally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and other family members and friends who will greatly miss spending precious time with him.

Mike was incredibly talented as a carpenter and home improvement specialist, and he has held numerous carpenter and home improvement jobs over the years. Mike was a carpentry artist and a perfectionist at whatever building projects he took on, and he had a knack for always making it better. An example of his work includes a remarkable restoration of the famous historical Mirror Lake Inn (Lake Placid, NY) back to its original grandeur. Mike didn't only restore it; he made it even better than it was before. He was also a very good automobile mechanic, and he loved a variety of music, especially the Beatles songs. He was a gifted musician, and his beautiful piano rendition of Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' is legendary in the Perry family.

Mike was a very intelligent man who took numerous health related college courses over the years, including from Harvard University. He earned professional certification as a Nursing Assistant, and more recently, received his certification as an Addictions Counselor. He loved being an Addictions Counselor, and took great pride in teaching valuable post-addiction skills to his clients. Mike was a gentle, complex, multi-talented man who loved life, and he lived many adventures (and a few mis-adventures) with a natural passion. He had a terrific sense of humor, sometimes putting on hilarious comedy shows for family and friends. He was also a nature lover, enjoying being outdoors on hikes and going on camping trips in the mountains.

Mike has resided in a variety of locations, including many years in upstate New York. However, several years ago he put down his final roots in Bluefield, West Virginia, where he met and married the love of his life, Deborah.

A first Celebration of Mike's life was held on Saturday, April 22 at the Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory in Bluefield, WV. A Christian burial took place immediately afterwards at Maple Hill Cemetery in Va. A second Celebration of Mike's life service will be held at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Fallston, Maryland on Saturday, May 27, at 10 am. Donations are welcome in support of Deborah and her 5 children. You can forward donations to Barbara Lind, the mother of Deborah, at 2004 Virginia Heights Drive, Bluefield, Virginia, 24605.

Written by Joseph M. Perry