John S Perry was born on October 9, 1937 in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was one of the first to step onto the diamond in 1951 to play the very first Pony League World Series.
John graduated from Washington High School in 1955 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington and Jefferson College in 1959, where he continued to play baseball and basketball. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army on June 6, 1959.
John proudly served his country for 31 years, retiring in 1991 with the rank of Colonel. His distinguished military service included active duty with the Signal Corps in France and command of the 2nd Psychological Operations Group, leading 1,400 soldiers. Outside of his military career, he worked as a dedicated salesman for Jones and Laughlin Steel and Franklin Steel Corporation from 1964 until his retirement in 2000.
An avid golfer, bowler, deer hunter, fisherman, and boxer, John lived life to the fullest. He had a deep love for history, sang in barbershop quartets and church choirs, and was a dedicated member of the Quincy Gillmore Civil War Roundtable. Above all, he treasured spending time with his family, traveling with his beloved wife of 65 years, Nancy, and hosting backyard gatherings with friends.
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