Ralph Perry

Ralph was popular enough to be the Mayor, but he lived his life for the kids. He was Riverside through and through: Boost, shaved ice, pretzel on the side from Faunce’s type Riverside. He taught middle school English and math, Mr. Perry’s quotes living on even today: “Time is passing; you might not be”, “Aw, isn’t that a cute angle?”, “Hubba Hubba! Not back yet?” And he coached basketball and football for many years; inducted into the Riverside Hall of Fame in 2007. Maybe as a coach he was known for being a little more than enthusiastic: Ralph had more than his fair share of technical fouls. In his retirement he had a tax service he ran out of his basement: 5 dollars a page and the price never increased; though he did accept tips of gifts certificates and garden vegetables. Some said he did it just to hold court and to tell stories of days gone by. But he came to his own as a granddad; spoiler in chief but he made sure they knew the important things in life.
Ralph met a pretty girl at Otts, the late Phyllis Shedler. Someone may or may not have fallen off a barstool (the story changed over the years), but, in any case, their nuptials were blessed by two children: the late John and Gretchen Jackson; his son in law, James Jackson and three grandchildren: Molly, Elliot and Daniel. Ralph is survived by his siblings, Rich, Nancy (Bill) Marrone and Joe and his special friend, Betty Law. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Vincent.
Come celebrate 82 great years Monday 6-8 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Riverton. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Duryea, PA.