Already five years, but his memory lives on. God bless you, Coach Perles!
From Phil, Ruth and Chzck Schmitter. Coach Charles Schmitter's children.

Mrs. Perles, Kathy, Terry, John and Pat,

The community has lost a great humanitarian in George Perles. 
His compassion for others, faith in God, and love of family will provide all of  you with incredible memories to celebrate his life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Many Blessings,

Gail Ganakas

We first came to know George many years ago through the company we work for, Dowding Industries, Inc.   We started having an annual MSU vs UofM Tailgate Luncheon that George and his team of associates would graciously attend - they, along with Sparty & the MSU Cheerleaders, were the stars of the event!  George would converse with all the employees, take pictures and sign footballs.   He was always just extraordinary and we looked forward to it every year!  Moving forward, there will be an emptiness where his seat at the table was, however, we will cherish the memories we were so lucky to have made.   It was evident that George loved people.....and we loved him right back! Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to all those who are affected by the loss of a great man.

Dear Family and friends,
I represent my sister Dr. Ruth Schmitter Jr  and my brother Dr Charles Schmitter Jr, in remembering Coach Perles.  Our dad, Coach Charles Schmitter was fencing coach for many years. When our father died, Coach Perles came to Mason for our dad's wake service to represent the atheletic department and board of MSU. All three of us were very grateful for his thoughtful presence.
May he rest in peace remembered with gratitude, love, and respect.
May your faith and fond memories bring you comfort!
Fr Phil Schmitter

George has become such a beloved person to us over the years.    Our family owned business has a core principal “Make an Impact……Leave a Legacy”.   As we look back on George’s life, he was the embodiment of this statement.  He truly impacted so many lives and made such an impact on countless players, coaches and fans.   As we announced his passing at our company wide meeting, the heartfelt gasps and sadness that swept through the plant was very clarifying.   What a testament to a man that most of our team members only saw a couple times a year, yet his effect on them was evident.  George will be dearly missed by so many.  Prayers to Sally and the family at this difficult time. 



We wanted to personally let you know how deeply saddened we were to hear of George’s passing.   He was such a great human being – he always had a welcoming smile for us when we would see him and he always had such words of wisdom with a flare of humor that always brought a laugh.   Our Tailgate Luncheons at Dowding Industries will never be the same and George will be greatly missed by us at Dowding, as well as the entire Spartan & Steelers Nation!   We will cherish him in our memories.... he is a special person who has left a legacy that will carry on forever!
Sending Prayers and Hugs to the Perles family  ……..May your wonderful memories help bring you peace in the days ahead.  
Go GREEN!!!

Alex "Joseph" Safi, I believe I'm the only football player ever coached by both George Perles and his coaches in high school and Bo Schembechler and his coaches in college. They were both very special men with similar philosophies. Both will forever be missed by their universities, players, families, and friends. God rest your souls, and bless your families. 

Our prays are with Sally and the family.  We will all miss a great Spartan. His love for his family, friends, and University were example for all of us. 

Steve Juday & Family 

I had the privilege to play for Coach in the early 1960’s at St Ambrose high school. He is a great individual. He taught us to be responsible and to be men. He had a tremendous influence  on a great number of young men and for that he will be remembered. 
Thanks Coach

I wish to send my condolences to the Perles family.

Coach Perles, RIP. Thank you for being a great coach and teacher of life to myself and many others that were fortunate enough to have crossed your path. Whenever life gets tough, I always recall your way of looking at things, and it truly helps get through it. It has been a long time since my days at State, but the coaching will last a lifetime.  They don’t make them like you anymore!!

A world that benefited daily from George’s goodness and love for people is buoyed by his life example and by the certainty of his peace. But we all ache for Sally, for Kathy, Terry, John, and Pat. Thank you for sharing all these years the gift of George. Wishing you consolation and brighter days ahead. Lynn Henning

To the Perles family.My condolences on the passing of Coach Perles I would see him at a lot of events and he was always available for you to talk with him. I would see a lot of nfl players and coaches and they all had a nice thing to say about him.Mat he Rest In Peace.

My heart goes out to Sally and family. Some of my great memories are sharing the highs and lows of MSU football with George and Sally. Ted would have said the same. Stay strong as you assimilate to life without George. Remember death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal. All my sympathy and love, Carol Guthard

Coach Perles taught me more than how to play football. He taught me how to deal with and handle the ups and downs of life. He was also a mentor anf father figure, not only to me, but to many individuals. I had the utmost respect for coach and his convictions. 

While I served in Vietnam, Coach wrote to me often and always told me to take care of myself because he had a position for me at Dayton.

The attached photo was taken a few years ago when a group of his former St. Ambrose players went Lansing to visit our coach. 

RIP Coach and hopefully I will see you on the other side! When we meet again we can discuss the "Wam"

I send my deepest condolences to Coach Perles's family.  I knew his spirit at the very core was the spirit of Detroit like mine was growing up there.  My dad coached football and baseball in the Detroit school system like coach Perles as well.  I met coach first in his office in Jenison Field House and he introduced me to Duffy Daugherty who invited me to join the team based on my prior football experience at Northern Michigan where another Spartan was head coach Rollie Dotsch and later the offensive line coach at Pittsburgh when coach Perles was there.  I will always be grateful to this great man and Spartan for opening such a big door for me, as I was a Spartan fan ever since I can remember. 

Sally and George were the dynamic duo and our hearts go out to Sally and the Perles family. George's legacy of compassion and Spartan spirit will live on.  It was a blessing to know him.  Blessings to you all and know we are here for you. 
Chris & Larry Conroy

Perles Family, 
As part of the original Charity Golf Classic committee headed by Kevin Kelly, Kellie Dean, Jim Epolito and others, we were delighted to create a community event that carried his support and high visibility to provide many dollars for a variety of causes.  We originally supported the March of Dimes, but changed the title of the event to the "......Charity Classic", giving us the opportunity to support Special Olympics and Uninsured Children. His name recognition, coupled with Attorney General Frank Kelly and Ambassador Peter Secchia, quickly grew into the premier golf event in the region.  It required two flights, with outstanding corporate and lobbyist team participation.  Our early partners of Oldsmobile, Little Caesar's,  Blue Cross and others had a reputation of the highest quality special event that many had ever attended.  It exemplified his personality and commitment to public service, a worthy cause for a very humble man.  It was a lifetime compliment to initiate this event, as a small part of his outstanding career.  He is missed and will be difficult to replace.  He cherished his faith, family and community. The winning record of his life outweighed the battle on the gridiron, but had similar success.
John F. Greensli
Lansing.   

You were a mentor to me I n high school when I came in one day to talk to you. I needed a father figure to help sort out some personal issues. Thank you for that. I will always be grateful. 

Walking through the crowded and narrow-hall basement level of St. Ambrose as a high school freshman, one day, I saw a football player come out of the locker room and push another student, just as Coach Perles came by. George stopped the player and said, "You know how all of you on the team are 'my kids?' Well, I'm a teacher, here at St. Ambrose, too, and I teach a lot - really a lot - of students. They're 'my kids,' too. So, I'm going to make it easy for you. Treat everyone with respect, like they're one of my kids. Understand?" The player simply nodded and said, "Yes, Coach." 

Talk about "teaching moments."

Peace and blessings to the family.

RIP,  Coach Perles. I enjoyed working with your team, and learned a lot doing so. Condolences and prayers from my family to yours.

Steven Mather
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
1986-88

OBITUARY

George J. Perles

16 July, 1934 – 7 January, 2020

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services