Stephen Vernon Perrault

Stephen "Steve" V. Perrault passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in Randallstown MD. Born in New York in 1938 to Thelma (nee Pruitt) Hipsley and was raised by his grandmother Naomi Pruitt in Baltimore.

Predeceased by mother Thelma Titilah, first wife Bettye (nee List) Perrault, daughter Karen Lynn Perrault, second wife Lynn (nee Smith) Perrault, and half-brother John Perrault. Survived by half-sister Judith (Tony) Tofuri, several nieces and nephews, and close family friends the Seohnleins.

Steve married childhood sweetheart Bettye in 1960, moved to Reisterstown, and daughter Karen Lynn was born in 1965. After raising Karen as a single father through her teenage years, Karen was killed in a car accident in 1983 in her Senior year of High School. Steve established a long running scholarship in Karen's memory and was instrumental in correcting the road's deficits where Karen's accident occurred.

Steve met his second wife, Lynn (nee Smith), in 1986 and they married in 1996. After a long-term battle with leukemia, she succumbed to complications. In keeping with Steve's tradition of philanthropy, he established a section at the Goucher Library in Lynn's memory.

As a Maryland State employee, Steve taught auto repair at Springfield State Hospital and Maryland Rehabilitation Center. He was particularly proud of his accomplishments while working for the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground as an instructor for tracked vehicle maintenance. He reluctantly left APG to begin his entrepreneurial era by peddling his wares at car shows all along the eastern US.

Steve's long-time love of cars earned him the nickname "The Car Guy." His automotive contributions included writing and publishing articles for magazines, starting multiple self-run businesses, operating ABS Restoration Products storefront in Reisterstown, collecting and selling memorabilia, and consulting in automobile endeavors of restoration and performance. In his younger years he enjoyed customizing cars and drag racing. Over the years he owned more than 60 vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and RVs.

Throughout his life Steve made multiple charitable contributions, including supporting MPT, NPR, the Baltimore Humane Society, Reisterstown Public Library, Reisterstown United Methodist Church Library, Reisterstown Public Library, and Goucher College Library.

Steve made many friends over the years, including six wonderful feline companions. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his 50's, Steve continued to live an active and productive life until he succumbed to the disease.

Many thanks to the numerous caregivers that assisted Steve the last few years, especially those from Infinity Care Services and Precious Jewels Assisted Living facility.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baltimore Humane Society (bmorehumane.org/donate), 1601 Nicodemus Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136, or to MPT(http://donate.mpt.org/mptv/tribute) 11767 Owings Mills Blvd, Owings Mills MD 21117.