Tom Perry

1938 - 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Perry announces his passing on October 7, 2025, at the age of 87 ½. He was born April 13, 1938, in Sebastopol, California.
Tom grew up a farm kid in Sebastopol, where he was active in 4-H and worked on his family's apple ranch. He graduated from Analy High School in 1956, where he served as student body president. After a year at SRJC, he went on to graduate from Stanford University, then earned his teaching credential at UC Davis. He did his student teaching at Woodland High School, where he taught for 35 years.
At Woodland HS, Tom taught CA and US History, PE, Civics, and ESL. He coached football for nearly 30 years, was an AFS advisor, and coached girls' softball. Over the years, he and his family hosted many exchange students who became lifelong family members, including Javier from Spain, Vera from Brazil, and Tina from Germany.
In 1958, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Darlys Greene. They fell in love at age fourteen. Tom used to ride his horse from his Sebastopol farm to her family's farm in Forestville to court her. Married for over 67 years, they remained inseparable until his final breath, when he passed away staring into her eyes.
Tom served his country for 11 years, in ROTC, the National Guard, and active duty as a First Lieutenant in the US Army, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.
A lifelong athlete and traveler, Tom's curiosity and kindness carried him across the world. He volunteered for the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, was a member of Friendship Force International, World Affairs Council, and United Methodist Church.
Tom will be greatly missed by his wife, Darlys Perry, daughter Anne (Hartley) Perry Pond, son Richard Perry, granddaughters Elizabeth Perry, Katherine (Henry) Pond Johnson, Emma Pond, and great-grandson Hartley Johnson.
Celebration of life will be held at the Union Hotel in Occidental from 12-3 pm on December 21st. Please contact the family for details. The family deeply appreciates the love and condolences received during this time.