Deborah Gayle Perilman

Deborah Gayle Perilman (1955–2026)

Deborah Gayle Perilman was born on April 11, 1955, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the beloved daughter of Gloria Malno-Perilman and William Perilman, and the cherished granddaughter of Harry and Sarah Saltzman. She is survived by her brothers, Ross Perilman and Ron Perilman, and seven nieces and nephews.

Deborah attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a degree in Computer Science at a time when very few women were entering the field. From the very beginning, she stood out- intelligent, determined, and decades ahead of her time. Upon graduating, Deborah became one of the first female computer program testers for the Internal Revenue Service. Her work required exceptional precision and integrity, earning her a high-level federal security clearance, a testament to the trust placed in her abilities and character.

After her government service, Deborah continued her career in the private sector as a software and SAP tester, building a reputation for excellence. Eventually, she took an entrepreneurial leap and founded her own consulting company in Marin County, bringing her sharp mind and technical expertise to clients who relied on her professional insight.

However, Deborah's ambition could not be contained by a single field. She had multifaceted business interests and never rested on her laurels. Throughout her life, everywhere she lived in the United States, she immersed herself in real estate, buying and remodeling houses with a visionary's eye. For Deborah, it wasn't about the profits, but rather her approach to changing industry standards and hearing different drum beats. That willingness to take risks made her highly successful, as she turned houses into homes and visions into reality.

Deborah spent the majority of her life in California, living in Tiburon and San Rafael before retiring in San Diego. California was her home, the place where she built her career, her independence, and her life.

But Deborah was much more than her impressive professional legacy. She possessed a quirky and sharp sense of humor; she was quick-witted, observant, and never afraid to speak her mind. She was especially proud of being a redhead, a trait she embraced fully. Deborah always stood out in a crowd, and she enjoyed that. Her fiery hair was the perfect match for her spirit: bold, distinctive, and impossible to overlook.

She was also a devoted "dog mom" to her three beloved companions: Chili, Curry, and Franki. They brought her immense joy and loyalty, and she cared for them as true members of her family.

Deborah will be remembered for her intelligence, her pioneering spirit in fields where she paved the way for women, and her unmistakable presence. She leaves behind a legacy of determination, courage, individuality, and love.