Eugene Richard Perry Jr.

Eugene Richard Perry, Jr., affectionately known as Rick, was born on January 16, 1945, in Portland, Maine, and was received by the Lord on February 6, 2026.

The son of Navy officer Eugene Richard Perry, Sr., Rick grew up in a life full of movement and adventure. With his mother, Betty, and sister, Lucky, he lived in Maine, Colorado, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Virginia, Hawaii, and eventually San Diego. His years in Hawaii remained among his most cherished memories, as it was there he discovered his lifelong love of surfing—a passion he carried well beyond his high school years.

Rick graduated from Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, California. After a period of traveling, he began working for the Department of Defense as an electrician. A few years later, he was drafted and chose to follow his father’s path by joining the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War—an experience that shaped him deeply. After two years of active duty, he continued his service in the Naval Reserve for an additional seven years.

Following his military service, Rick attended San Diego State University, earning a degree in accounting in 1974, later completing his MBA. He returned to government service as an auditor with SPAWAR, retiring in 2008.

Rick had an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for travel. His journeys took him to England, Ireland, France, Italy, Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines, and countless destinations across the United States—especially Hawaii. He was famous among family and friends for his spontaneous “Ricky trips,” often setting out at a moment’s notice to explore somewhere new.

A passionate racing enthusiast, Rick especially loved Corvettes. Over the years, he owned many Corvettes and other race cars, and he was an active member of the Corvette Club of San Diego County and the local SCCA. He proudly led a racing team in San Diego— “Tart”—and was affectionately known in the community as “Pop Tart.”

Above all else, Rick cherished his family. He cared lovingly for his parents in their later years and instilled in his children the importance of staying close to their grandparents. On his off-Fridays, he often would pick up a dozen donuts—always including old fashioned donuts for his father—before stopping for a visit with family and friends. He also enjoyed taking his mother to Denny’s, where they always sat in the same booth with the same longtime waitress. Rick adored his grandchildren and loved hosting holiday gatherings and family events, happily watching the kids play in the jacuzzi or backyard. Known for his quick wit, he enjoyed lively, playful banter with those he loved.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Loretta (Lorie) Perry; daughter Lisa Puyear; sons Lance Perry (Jennifer) and Nathan Perry; and stepson Vincent Ruiz. He is also survived by his sister Alexis Wood

(Lucky); brother Steve Perry; and six grandchildren: Michael Puyear, Alexander Perry, Conrad Perry, Jameson Perry, William Perry, and Natalie Perry.

Rick will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, warm heart, and witty nature. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life on March 21st at Rick and Lorie’s home. If you wish to attend, please text Lorie at 619-417-5222 for details.

In lieu of flowers donations to the San Diego Alzheimer’s Society are welcome.