Obituary of Richard T. Perry

Richard Thomas "Dick" Perry, 84, of Marcellus, New York passed away on February 13, 2023 after a brief illness. He was the son of Nathaniel "Nate" Perry and Mary (Fatheringham) Perry. Dick graduated from Cato High School and SUNY Cortland, where he majored in Physical Education and was active in Gamma Tau Sigma fraternity. He earned a Master's degree in Education from Syracuse University. Among his years in education, Dick was a guidance counselor and coach of boys high school football for Onondaga Central, West Genesee and his most beloved, Tully Central High School. Dick had careers in sales, the golf industry and entertainment as well. For several years he was sales manager for the Syracuse New Times. Regarding his golf career, Dick was in Course Management for Foxfire, Hill-N-Dale and Midlakes golf courses. He was instrumental in the design and layout of Orchard Vali and Sunset Ridge golf courses. Dick was an unofficial mascot for SU men's football games as "Super Bill Orange." He sang and danced in the chorus of several community theater productions. His most memorable role--and one most often recalled by fans--was the radio character "Ron Redneckski" on the WHEN morning program in the 1970s. Dick was a founding member of the CNY Short Fat Guy Race. He enjoyed golf, skiing and swimming, and spending time with his family. Dick was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Michelle Perry Labourdette. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; daughter Mary Beth (Patrick Sr.) O'Laughlin of Syracuse; son Joseph (Joanne) of Marcellus and son-in-law Charles "Chip" Labourdette, also of Marcellus. He leaves eight grandchildren: Adrienne Thousand, Kathleen (Colin) Joyce, Nathan Labourdette (Matthew Rink), Mary Perry, Michael (Hailey) Perry, Gina Perry, Anna Perry and Austin Perry; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday, February 17th from 3 to 6pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 44 E. Main Street, Marcellus. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated the next morning, Saturday, February 18th at 10am in St. Francis Xavier Church, Marcellus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Marcellus Area Volunteer Emergency Services or Alzheimer's Association of Central New York.