Stephen Perlstein

HARBOR CITY, Calif. -- Stephen Perlstein, formerly of Shirley, Mass, and Fitchburg, Mass., died at his home in Harbor City on Aug. 9, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer.

He was born in Ayer, Mass, in 1942, the son of Gertrude (Sullivan) and Julius Perlstein. He was a graduate of Ayer High School.

Mr. Perlstein had owned and operated Steve’s Dairy Queen in Fitchburg, before moving to California in 1973. Most of his career was spent in law enforcement; he worked for the San Bernadino Police Department until his retirement in 2002.

He leaves his wife of 43 years, Judith Perlstein; four sons, Mark Perlstein, John Perlstein and Christopher Perlstein of Los Angeles and William Perlstein and his wife Stephanie of Folsom; four grandchildren, Stephen Keith, Logan, Matthew James and Juliet; his mother, Gertrude Perlstein of Shirley; his sister, Rosalyn of Shirley; his brother, Lawrence of Dumfries, Va.; his mother-in-law, Lenore Martin and father-in-law, Fred Martin of Victorville, Calif. and his constant companion, his dog Dempsey. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Julius Perlstein of Shirley; his sister, Marilyn Curley of Harvard; and his two nephews, Stephen Melvard of Brookline and Timothy Melvard of Leominster.

A memorial service was held on Aug. 18, at Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.