Leon Emile Perret

Leon Emile Perret of New Orleans, prolific storyteller, entertaining singer, and successful businessman, died peacefully in his home May 19, 2025, shortly after celebrating his 101st birthday. A man of many talents and a purveyor of joy, Leon was born on May 3, 1924, to parents Cecilia Usner Perret and Joseph Delery Perret. Beloved husband of the late Joyce Sconza Perret and brother of the late Joseph Perret Jr, Emelda Randazzo, Robert Perret, Elaine Sconza, and Paul Perret. Survived by siblings Vera Vujnovich and Kenneth Perret.

Leon graduated from St. Aloysius High School before enlisting in the Army Air Corp during World War II. His military training spanned aviation, navigation, munitions, ambulance driving, and working with weather balloons. After the war ended, Leon returned home to marry the love of his life, Joyce Sconza, in 1946. Together, they raised six children in the Gentilly Woods neighborhood, where they had many life-long friends. The Perret children include Pamela Perret (Richard Puderer, deceased), Kathy Perret (John Dufrene), Leon Perret Jr (Sandy), Suzanne Motl (Richard), Lauren Poynot (Billy), and Jeannine Harris (Alan).

Family was the cornerstone of Leon and Joyce’s lives. Their legacy includes 13 grandchildren, Steven Sturges, Benjamin Puderer, Ryan Orchard, Jaime Bretzmann (Doug), Lindsey Sabella (Danny), Leon Perret III (Bess), Rachel Ledet (Lenny), Kathleen Meeker, Megan Couvillion (Ryan) Melissa Estess (Hunter), Erin Motl, Meredith Budgeon (Mark), and Joseph Poynot (Carrie), and 18 great grandchildren.

As a long-time, devoted parishioner of St. Clement of Rome Church in Metairie, Leon was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Alhambra, receiving the prestigious Order of St. Louis for his faithful service. Known for his gentleness, loyalty, and work ethic, Leon also had a gift of entertaining. He was a joke-teller, avid reader, entertainer, and loved to sing old songs from childhood talent shows with his family. He embodied celebration and community, holding a particular fondness for Mardi Gras as a former King of the Krewe of Pegasus and rider in the Krewe of Mid City parades.

An entrepreneur and community leader, Leon was the owner of Perret’s Men’s Wear on Royal Street in New Orleans and Perret’s Army Surplus in Kenner. He was a cherished business mentor to family members and friends and enjoyed watching the evolution of the retail industry.

In his later years, Leon was widowed and found a second love in Leda Sobon who took great care of him in his final days. As his loving companion, the family is greatly appreciative of her time, attention, and love.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Clement of Rome Church, Metairie. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. and funeral mass follows at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Feed the Children, or your local food bank in honor of Leon’s generous spirit.