Robert “Bob” L. Perry, 88, returned to his heavenly home on November 9, 2022, after a valiant battle with several illnesses. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his journey and ultimately gave him peace.
Bob was born to Robert and Cora Mae Kinsey Perry, on December 4, 1933, in Homestead, PA. He attended Fifth Avenue High School and graduated from Schenley Night School in 1955.
Bob began his Christian journey at Monumental Baptist Church where he gave his life to Christ and was baptized. Bob joined Bethany Baptist Church in 1985 and served faithfully until his health became a challenge. He served on the usher board and was a part of the team that renovated the Bethany Center. He faithfully attended Bible study and Sunday worship and LOVED wearing his chef’s hat while serving meals to the community in the Master’s Kitchen.
Bob started his career working in retail stores in the uptown section of Pittsburgh and at J&L Steel, but soon found his passion in law enforcement and began as an officer with the Pittsburgh Police Department on April 3, 1967, and soon advanced to the role of undercover narcotics detective. Bob was very proud of his 28-year career and created a memory book outlining his most interesting and unbelievable cases. He was most proud of the fact that he was never shot, nor had he ever shot anyone. In 2019 he was honored as a 50-year member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Bob loved being outdoors manicuring the lawn, planting flowers, and tending his garden brought him such joy! He was proud of his tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, and giant “cuzinis” (better known as zucchini).
Bob also enjoyed traveling. He and his wife Lorraine flew to many foreign countries but loved road trips. They drove cross country four times and loved visiting national parks including Yellowstone and Yosemite. During one of their last trips Bob mixed his love of travel and law enforcement when he “arrested” train bandits pretending to rob the Grand Canyon Railroad.
Bob was also a gifted woodworker. He had the ability to reproduce African artwork from memory or a simple sketch on a napkin. He created many beautiful carvings and crafted personalized wooden stools for each of his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his daughters Leslie Nichols, Lorrie Perry, Roberta Perry, and stepdaughter Lisa Chandler (Jeff); his grandchildren Janie Fleming-Nunn (Mark), Keivonne Williams, Trace Williams, Royce Witherspoon, Terell Williams-Perry, RorrieLee Perry, and step-granddaughter Jadyn Chandler; his great-grandchildren Jaleigha Fleming, Jayla Fleming, Korrie Bella Williams-Perry, Audrey Howard and Lillie Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret Horton; his first wife and
mother of his beautiful daughters, Janie B. Perry; and his grandson, Robert Michael Perry-Nichols.
The celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 10 am on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Bethany Baptist Church, 7745 Tioga St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. The repast will be immediately following the service and interment will follow at the Washington Cemetery, Washington, PA.
The family gratefully declines flowers and asks that donations be made to Bethany Community Ministries with the note “Master’s Kitchen in Memory of Bob Perry.” Donations may be mailed to Bethany Baptist Church or made online at https://www.bethanybaptist-pgh.org/give/
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