Ralph Anthony “Tony” Perri, Jr.

Ralph Anthony “Tony” Perri, Jr. passed away on September 23, 2026, at the age of 86, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY, to the late Ralph Perri, Sr. and Anna Nicora Perri. Tony was predeceased by his brother, Ronald A. Perri; his dearest cousin, Barbara Marino; his best friend and former wife, Shirley Mariano Stirling; as well as his beloved fur babies, Cooper and Snoopy.

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Perri, David (Diana) Perri, and Beth (Jeff Mills) Perri; his grandchildren, Selena (Frank) Holody, Jeffrey (Clay McKnight) Perri, Jr., David (Kelli) Perri, Jr., Danielle (Jon) Seaman, Dominique Perri, Devon Perri, Geoffrey (Caitlin) Stowe, and Geremy (Olivia) Stowe; seven great-grandchildren; his Goddaughter, Becky Cacciatore; and his partner Chuck Clark and dear friend, Ronald Matter. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Tony studied at Niagara University and later received his bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo. He spent his career in Buffalo as an Import Specialist for U.S. Customs. Fortunate to retire at a young age, Tony enjoyed more than 30 years of retirement, giving him the time to pursue his many passions and creative talents, including floral arts, painting, gardening, and volunteering.  He acted and directed plays throughout Western New York and loved to share his passion for the theater. Tony especially cherished time at the cottage. He loved swimming in Lake Ontario, cooking for family and friends, and gathering with them to enjoy the sunsets.

Tony was a deeply compassionate person who believed in caring for his community. He spent many years volunteering for a variety of causes and organizations, including the Suicide Prevention Hotline, SAGE, AIDS Rochester, Dimitri House, and the Pachamama Alliance. He was a champion for human rights and equality, especially in the LGBTQ+ community.

Being sober for more than 40 years was one of Tony’s proudest achievements. And among his most unforgettable moments? Dancing on stage with Diana Ross at Melody Fair—an experience that left him completely awe-struck and became a story worth telling for years to come.

Tony lived a life filled with creativity, resilience, compassion, honesty, and love.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for Tony over the years, including the compassionate staff on the 5East floor of Highland Hospital.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 259 Rutgers Street, Rochester, NY 14607. Private interment will take place at Western New York National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.  To learn more about Tony and his journey through life, please visit the StoryCorps stories below or scan the accompanying QR codes:

Tony Perri and his grandson Jeffrey Perri	After 82 Years, a Grandfather Inspires His Grandson to Live Full of Honesty and Love
Taking Pride in Our Stories	An Honest Life

The family requests the courtesy of no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s memory to the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. in Rochester, NY.