Anthony “Tony” Joseph Perrine, age 77, passed from the earth on December 4, 2018 at 8:14 p.m. in Columbus. He was born on November 30, 1941 in Lima to Gladys (Bowers) and Dominic Perrine.
On August 31, 1963 he married Sylvia Houser and they divorced after a lengthy marriage and three children. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved older sister, JoAnn (Tom) Schulien as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Surviving are his loving children, Stephanie (Russ) Garber, Vince (Tracy Marshall) Perrine, and Beth JoAnn Perrine; along with three granddaughters, Jordan, Chloe, and Meghan Garber; sister and brother-in-law Elaine and Jerry Harris; and nieces and nephews.
Tony earned a B.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Masters Degree from Xavier University. He had a long career as a secondary school teacher and a basketball and football coach. Basketball was a lifelong passion for Tony, beginning with becoming an outstanding player for Lima Central Catholic in the late 1950’s and continuing to play on BGSU’s Freshman squad (as a teammate of Nate Thurmond.) He was also a member of the Marine Corps Reserve for five years, of which he was very proud.
A consummate family man, he loved nothing more than taking lake-related vacations and pulling his kids tirelessly on waterskiis. He loved his boats and lived on the shores of Lake Erie, until recently, for several decades, loving nothing more than having summer fun on Put-in-Bay with his kids. “Pop Pops” was a unique person: a man of quirky humor, quick-passing emotions and of a huge forgiving nature. He had a huge heart, boldly wearing his affections on his sleeve and proclaiming them for all to see and hear, “I love the hell out of these kids!” Extremely generous, he would begin every meal (or Tommy’s Pizza purchase) with a loud declaration, “Now this is MY treat!” When his kids were young, he was boisterous and playful, doing everything from singing with them to flipping them around the pool. He was steadfast, loyal, honest, and true to family and friends alike. Personal integrity was his guide in life.
After a saddening, sudden and rapid decline due to Alzheimer’s, his family cared for him until the very end. His devoted children, their spouses, and his grandchildren will always and forever sadly miss their Pops.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 10, 2018 at ST. CHARLES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2200 West Elm Street, Lima, OH 45805 with Rev. Kent Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass, 10-11 AM, at the church. Graveside services will follow, in procession, to Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima. Memorial contributions in Tony’s memory are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association through their website www.alz.org. SIFERD-ORIANS FUNERAL HOME in Lima is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.
Online condolences can be left at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.
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