John Nicholas Perry, Sr.

John Nicholas Perry, Sr., of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, affably known as “Pappy,” passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025—the day of his 64th wedding anniversary—at home in the presence of his loving family. He was 86.

John was born in Ellwood City on March 2, 1939. He was the descendent of Italian immigrants and the son of Nicholas Nazarene Perry, a steel worker, and Josephine Perry (nee Beatrice), a nurse. A multisport athlete, John graduated in 1956 from Lincoln High School, where he was an All-State Catcher---- and earned a baseball scholarship to Clemson University. At Clemson, under the watchful eye of a family friend, basketball coach Press Maravich, he was named to the ACC All Freshman Team. The following year, John transferred to Seton Hall University, where he was named to several ECAC All Conference teams. John graduated with a business degree in 1961. After returning to Pennsylvania, he won honors playing alongside future MLB Hall of Famer Richard Allen on an All-State semi-pro team.

On August 28, 1961, John married Carol Lynn Mount of Koppel, Pennsylvania, in a Catholic ceremony at St. Theresa’s Church. They remained uniquely devoted to each other through their 64-year marriage, and were most proud of the family they raised together. John served honorably in the United States Army from 1961-1966. While in the Army Reserve, he worked for the Russell Trucking Company. In 1966, encouraged by his father, John and his brother Michael opened Michael’s Company, an appliance and hardware store in Ellwood City. The business expanded to large appliances and furniture as well as an additional location in Beaver Falls. In 1999, John transitioned to the insurance business, working first for AAA insurance Company, then as an independent agent, a job he held for the rest of his life.

Outside of family and work, John loved sports. He enjoyed playing golf (he would take out his trusty 3-wood and cut one in there, regardless of the required yardage). He was partial to classic movies (especially in black and white), white hankies, duct tape, Sinatra and hot dogs! He loved attending ballgames. It was rare for him to miss any of his three boys’ games (with three sons, all varsity athletes, God knows there were a lot) but enjoyed any game that he could take in with a few cousins or old friends from the area. His great passion, though, was teaching the game of baseball. He coached at every level - from Little League to High School, a fixture on the local diamonds. “Coach Perry,” as his adoring players called him, was a dedicated sponsor of the local Farm league, and instrumental in upgrading of the facilities at Ewing Park.

Finally, and most important to him, was his growing relationship with God, which he credited with helping him navigate through a variety of obstacles and challenging times. John was quiet but steadfast in his faith, an inspiration for those who knew him. To his immediate family, he was a Philosopher King whose kind words, good deeds and strength will be missed. His family is comforted to know he will continue to look over and guide them. Alla sua memoria. Possa la tua anima riposare in pace. Saluto!

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother Michael, his mother and father in law, Martha and Donald Mount. Surviving him are his wife, Carol, and their three sons—Dr. John (Kirsten) Perry, Jr. of Greensboro, N.C.; William (Dr. Maureen) Perry of Scottsdale, Arizona; and Dr. Nicholas (Sherry) Perry of New Castle, Pennsylvania. He’s also survived by eight adoring grandchildren—John, III, Mark, Thomas, Nan, Mia, Tyler, Nicholas and Spencer. The family are grateful to many, but would like to thank Lisa Anzalone and Megan Moody from Edison Manner, as well as Grane Hospice services, for the kindness and provided comfort.

Visitation will take place at Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, in Ellwood City, on Friday September 5th from 3pm-6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, in Ellwood City, on Saturday September 6th at 11am.  Entombment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name can be made to the Ellwood City Baseball Boosters, c/o Kristen Carsele at 827 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, PA, 16117, or the charity of your choice.