Alan H. Perer

1948 - 2024

Alan H. Perer, 76, a warm, exuberant presence who brought laughter and merriment to all who knew him, passed away on May 12, 2024. Born in 1948 to Beatrice and Leonard Perer, Alan was a lifelong resident of Squirrel Hill. His hometown was a never-ending source of pride for him. But wherever Alan roamed, the fun always followed. Upon graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School, Alan attended Washington & Jefferson College. After an extended road trip to Woodstock interrupted his studies (in characteristic Big Al fashion, he got lost and didn't make it to the legendary festival on time), Alan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973. He went on to earn his law degree from Pitt in 1976, where he also met the love of his life and wife of nearly 50 years, Diane. Alan felt a calling to use his considerable skills as a plaintiffs' lawyer, fighting for the rights of individuals. His passion for helping others in their time of need defined his work at the law firm he founded. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan's true joys were his family and friends. He had an unbridled zest for living life to the fullest, something of a veritable walking nightclub. A lifelong sports fan and music aficionado, Alan could often be found playing tennis or golf, listening to his carefully curated playlists, strumming his acoustic guitar, or hosting lively gatherings, which earned him the self-proclaimed (and undisputed) title of "Social Chair." A lifelong Marquis, and later, a Harrumpher, he had a gift for bringing people together through his affable sincerity and love of a good time. Into his 70s, he joyfully threw birthday celebrations for himself, each one becoming more extravagant. Alan's talent for living left an indelible mark not only on every room he entered, but the entire world as a whole. He is survived by his wife Diane; his two children, Langley (husband Scott Rosenberg) and Abby (husband Brendan Dunuwila); four grandchildren, Bowie, Sawyer, Dean and Serena; sister, Rochelle Shelley Droz (husband Gary Droz); his nieces, Lauren and Sara; and countless dear friends who became like family. Alan's favorite novel was the Larry McMurtry classic, "LONESOME DOVE", a quote from which sums up Alan's life perfectly: "It's been quite a party, ain't it" In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to The Kiki Fund For Leptomeningeal Research (https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TRfr_id=1200&pg=team&team_id=13259), a charity Alan helped start to raise money and awareness for his daughter, Langley's illness. Services will be private. A celebration of Alan's life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Duquesne Club, 325 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, for friend and family. Arrangements entrusted to RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC., www.schugar.com