Joseph D. Perry 1944-2021

Joseph was born July 6, 1944, in Youngstown, a son of the late Dominic and Mary Ruozzo Perry.

He was a 1962 graduate of Lowellville High School, where he excelled in football and especially loved playing under coach John Santillo. He was later inducted in the Lowellville Rockets Football Hall of Fame.

Joseph continued his education at Youngstown State University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1967. While at YSU, he was a proud member of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon, keeping lifelong friendships with many of his brothers. In 1970, he received a Master’s degree in Psychology from Westminster College alongside his father who also received his degree. He received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Kent State University in 1977.

Dr. Perry enjoyed a life of many diverse dimensions. He began his career as an eighth-grade teacher at Girard Schools, then took a position with the Trumbull County Board of Education as a school psychologist and later was the supervisor of Psychological Services for the Cleveland Public School District. Other professional credentials included positions as an instructor at Kent State University, adjunct professor at John Carroll University, professor at the University of Akron, professor at Barry University in Miami, Fla., and Director of Pediatric Psychology at Tod Children’s Hospital in Youngstown. A licensed psychologist in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania, he engaged in private practice for 25 years in addition to his other extensive professional pursuits. At the time of his death, he was employed as a Forensic Examiner for the 16th Circuit Court in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was also a prolific author and presented at countless national and regional conferences.

Joseph was a member of OSPA, APA, NASP, and was credentialed at the highest level of his profession as a Diplomat with the American Board of Professional Psychology. Joseph was unfailingly optimistic and outgoing and constantly engaged in mentoring and research.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Perry was engaged in a variety of other interests. He enjoyed collecting a wide array of antique clocks, following the Cleveland Browns, supporting the OSU Buckeyes, and boating on Florida’s International Waterway. He also enjoyed landscaping, Roman history and his cat, Sunny-Santino. Joseph will be greatly missed by everyone he touched in his life.

He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Bard; two daughters, Marijo Perry and Pamala (Randy) Learn; sisters, Marilee (Thomas) Pilkington and Nancy (John) Grapevine; brothers, Dominic (Rosemary) Perry and John (Michele) Perry; sister-in-law, Lisa Perry; granddaughters, Whitney (Michael) Conjeski and Stephanie (Kris) Roper; and four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexia, and Zachary Conjeski, and Alayna Roper.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Mark L. Perry; and brother, James Perry.

Family and friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 244 McGill St., Lowellville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, with the Rev. Stephen Zeigler officiating. Interment will be in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19, guests, whose health allows, are kindly asked to wear a mask, honor the 6-foot rule, and not to linger at the funeral home after seeing the family.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and online condolences with the family.

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