As the second longest-serving official for the city of College Park, former District 2 Councilman Jack Perry was always in the public eye. While he was an outspoken fixture in the community, he always put his family first, relatives said.
John “Jack” Perry, 69, died April 16 after battling liver cancer for more than three years, leaving behind a legacy in the College Park City Council that spanned more than 26 years of service and an involvement in the city that began when he moved there in 1969.
While he often faced scrutiny from the public for “asking the tough questions” as a city councilman, son Sean Perry said his pride in his family eclipsed his political career.
“He was happy for his success,” he said, “but he was most happy and most proud of his family.”
He began his tenure as a city councilman in 1979, serving two terms before an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 1983. In 1989, Perry returned to his spot as District 2 councilman, where he served until this December.
As a councilman, Perry would often be the lone dissenting vote, Mayor Andy Fellows said.
He added that the two had many disagreements, which only served as a testament to Perry’s experience and strong convictions.
When Fellows was a graduate student at this university, he first crossed paths with Perry in 1992 at city council meetings. Fellows said he took note of Perry’s political acumen almost instantly.
“I immediately recognized that he was a pretty forceful member of the council,” Fellows said. “He was very confident in his right and need to express his opinion on issues as a councilmember.”
Perry was a proponent of limited government, Fellows said, adding “he was very skeptical about the government doing anything.”
Sean Perry said his father, as a public servant, believed taxpayer money should be used wisely and fairly.
“He didn’t want government just taking over everything,” Sean Perry said. “He wanted to have his voice heard and make changes so it was fair for everybody.”
When Perry’s family was informed of his diagnosis in 2009, they immediately came together in support, joining the American Cancer Society and assembling family members to form Team Perry to participate in Relay for Life. The team raised more than $30,000 for the organization.
“We rallied around him,” Sean Perry said. “We were as devastated as any family would be knowing that your father is sick.”
Sean Perry said as his father battled the disease, he drew strength from prayer, modern medicine and his family; he outlived the expectations of his doctors.
“He was given a very short time to live once the diagnosis was found because it was very serious,” Sean Perry said. “He fought it every day; his family was with him all the time.”
Perry had to adjust his schedule as a councilman, missing many meetings in his final years.
However, Fellows said that before Perry stepped down, “he really made a heroic effort to stay engaged.”
Son Joseph Perry said his father always wanted what was best for the city, and didn’t let his disease affect his political work.
“He would always make it a point to be there and listen and understand the issues at hand,” he said.
Sean Perry said his father was always very involved in the community. He was actively involved in the Berwyn district for 42 years, serving as board member on the District Civic Association before becoming its president.
“He liked being the leader,” Sean Perry said. “He always wanted to be up front.”
The city renamed the Bicycle Plaza on Berwyn Road in honor of Perry in December, as a tribute to his efforts as a community leader.
“The fact that was named in his honor really speaks to the fact that that Berwyn community really loved him,” Fellows said.
Perry was also president of the Boys and Girls Club in College Park, as well an active member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960 to 1964.
Perry’s survivors include his wife, Kathy, 65; his son, Sean Perry, 41, of Catonsville; daughter Christine Doyle, 40, of Hernando, Miss.; daughter Donna Long, 38, of Kensington; son Joseph Perry, 35, of Odenton; daughter Jennifer DiStefano, 30, of Cranston, R.I.; daughter Colleen Gruber, 27, of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren; and five sisters.
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