Gary William Perruzzi

Gary Perruzzi, 72, passed away on June 21, 2025. Gary was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1952. His family moved to Orange County, CA when he was four years old and he grew up in Anaheim. He married his high school sweetheart Donna in 1973 and they moved to Paso Robles in 1978.

Gary started working for the City of Paso in 1980 prepping ball fields, mowing parks and driving his rounds to see what needed his attention. He eventually became the Public Works Street Superintendent. He was responsible for street signs, striping, street repair, sidewalks, trees, pools, parkways, storm drainage, tennis courts, lighting, Centennial Gym, and just about everything that kept City infrastructure running. When anyone would ask him what his job was, he would answer, “I oversee just about everything above ground.”

Gary and his crew worked with Norma Moye, Main Street Association and the Rec Department, setting up special events to make sure everything ran smoothly. He took care of the logistics of setting up Cruise Night, Wine Festival in the park, the Fun Run, Taco Bell Track Meet, the Fishing Derby, Vine Street Showcase, the Christmas Parade, Pioneer Day Parade and events, Barney Schwartz fireworks show, Barney Schwartz tournaments, and many more…

He was especially proud of the opening of Barney Schwartz Park and spent many hours there making sure the soccer and baseball fields looked perfect for the visitors to admire.

After working for the City for 25 years, Gary retired but his love of sports kept him busy with Centennial YMCA youth basketball, umpiring for men’s softball and baseball, coaching Babe Ruth and t-ball. He loved watching his grandkids play soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball for both recreation, school, and club.

Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna Perruzzi, daughter Julie Freygang and husband Thomas and their children Garrett and Hannah, of Paso Robles, his daughter Leah Gordon and her son LCpl Stephen Gordon USMC of Paso Robles.