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Ruth Perelman Obituary
Raymond Perelman told The Associated Press on Sunday that the couple had been married for 70 years after they met in Greensboro, N.C., where she was going to college and he was running a plant for his father.
"She was well-loved by everybody and was also generous and participated with me in all of our philanthropies and charities," he said from his home in the tony Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
In May, the University of Pennsylvania announced that the School of Medicine would be named after the Perelmans after their donation of $225 million, which the Ivy League university described as the largest gift in its history and the biggest ever nationwide that was made to name a medical school. The university said the endowment would enable innovative health research, increased faculty recruitment and more financial aid for students.
Other major donations by the couple have included $6 million for the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center, $15 million for the Perelman Building at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and $3 million for the Perelman Jewish Day School, which has campuses in Lower Merion Township and Melrose Park, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
"Whoever knew her, really loved her because she was a kind person, and one who always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and children," Raymond Perelman said. "She was good, just plain good."
Raymond Perelman, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus, heads privately held RGP Holdings Inc., which includes manufacturing, mining and financial interests.
Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania, said the city had lost "a most beloved and consummately gracious public citizen."
"Ruth's generous spirit and strong commitment to education, medicine, and culture in Philadelphia will be remembered for countless generations to come," Gutmann said in a statement.
Ruth Perelman is also survived by the couple's sons, Ronald and Jeffrey, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, her husband said.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
23 Entries
Missy Sherry
August 5, 2016
Dearest Mr. Perelman,
My name is Missy Sherry and first off, let me express my sincerest condolences on the loss of your lovely wife. I don't know if you would ever remember meeting my husband Johnny and I on our honeymoon in Capri, Italy. It was 1995 at the Quesasana Hotel and we were all sitting having cocktails and getting acquainted. You and your lovely wife were so cordial and hospitable to us and we were so enamored by the conversation and the down to earthness you showed us. If you recall, my husband was explaining his line of work which you seemed to be inquisitive about and he inadvertently spilled a drink with grenadine in it all over your white pants. He being embarrassed beyond belief was immediately reassured as you kindly whispered "let that be the worst thing that happens to me John", we were so incredibly impressed at your graciousness and humbleness. It truly left an impression on us both. I lost Johnny on 9/11 that year and found photos of all of us and have been reminded that success doesn't have to mean forgetting how to be a gentleman and you Sir have always been a true reminder of that after all these years. My love and prayers are with you and I hope this message does reach you. Warmest and fondest memories,
Missy Sherry
ULYSSES KYRIACOPOULOS
August 31, 2011
Dear Mr. Perelman,
It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing away of your dear spouse, Ruth. My thoughts reach out to you in this very sad moment.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy and offer my sincere condolences to you personally and to your family.
Ulysses Kyriacopoulos
e-mail: [email protected]
August 9, 2011
Phyllis & Family - please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your sister - may fond memories sustain you during this time.
Lorraine & Joel Roseman
Amy Perelman
August 4, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. my father would not have had his pharmacy without you generosity 63 years ago. Although he passed away in the 1967 he would have wanted us to thank you again and express our sincere sympathy on your loss.
Amy Perelman, Beth Perelman and Amy's son Beau (who is named for our father Barney Perelman.)
How you can show support
August 3, 2011
your memory lives in the heart of all you have blessed with your generosity to our hospitals and our civic life... margaret L
August 3, 2011
My sympathies to the family of Ms. Perelman. May the God of all comfort be with you.
August 3, 2011
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Joy H
August 3, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. My prayers are with you. 2 Cor.1:3,4
August 3, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loved one passing ,my deepest condolence
American Heart Association
August 3, 2011
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
August 2, 2011
What an inspirational life. Please accept our condolences. Mrs. Perelman and your family will stay in our prayers.
Theresa Ball
Sarah J
August 2, 2011
What a wonderful woman who has cared for so many people. Her legacy will always live on!
Cricket Brown
August 1, 2011
God bless the Perelman family. Ruth Perelman was a grand lady she gave like no one was looking never expecting or wanting anything in return. Such a warm and caring person no one can fill her spot that's one of a kind. Thank you Ruth now you go rest and spread your goodness in heaven with the other Angels. C Brown Battle Creek Mi
Sr. Nathalee Bryant, SBS
August 1, 2011
To the Perelman Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sorrow-filled time. You have lost a giant but have gained an Angel.
"May the work that she has done speak for her."
God bless you!
Sister Nathalee Bryant, SBS
R Golay
August 1, 2011
To the the family of Ruth Perelman - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.
August 1, 2011
I regret that I never met Ruth.Perelman. Please accept our sincere condolences to Ray Perelman and the entire Perelman family on their great loss. May the many wonderful memories of Ruth help to overcome the grief of her loss. -- Norman & Phyllis Leventhal
[email protected]
Marion O'Connor
August 1, 2011
What a caring and giving woman. Her loss will be felt by multitudes of people. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
M. Steven Hubbs
August 1, 2011
On behalf of my late mother years ago who has a small chance encounter with Mrs. Ruth Perelman but we all benefited by Ruth's giving ways . She spoke quite fond of Mrs Perelman and her elegant giving ways. She often said meeting Ruth was like meeting an angel who walks among us. Now she is heaven and Ron and kids she will be watching intently so carry the torch of giving like she did for so many years.
Ann Jackson
August 1, 2011
With deepest sympathy, to The Perelman Family.
Revelation 21:4
Jeff & Gudrun Gaynor
August 1, 2011
On behalf of my mother, Mary Gaynor, I know she would send her condolence on the passing of Ruth and add her glowing applause for the 70 year partnership of Ray and Ruth which enabled a better Philadelphia in the arts, education, medical facilities and many other areas for the forever benefit of everyone.
August 1, 2011
Although I never met Mrs Perelman, I have had the pleasure of working for her son Jeffrey for several years. He has always shown compassion towards others, especially in time of need, one of many attributes I am sure came from his mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jeffrey.
Jeri Pappas
Michigan
Henryk Zaleski
August 1, 2011
Rest in peace.
Jerry Reavey
July 31, 2011
May God bless the soul of Mrs Perelman whose life was a gift to all the people of the Philadelphia area.
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