Thomas Sylvester Perron
October 13, 1946 ~ January 4, 2023
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
Thomas S. Perron
1946-2023
SOUTH PORTLAND--Thomas S. Perron, of South Portland, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 4th 2023.
Tom was born in Portland on October 13, 1946 the son of Sylvester and Ethel (Sullivan) Perron. He grew up in Portland and was a graduate of Deering High School. Tom went on to graduate from, what was then, Gorham State Teachers College. He continued his education at the University of Maine, earning Master’s Degrees in both education and leadership. Tom worked as a teacher and assistant principal at the Maine Youth Center, retiring after 35 years. He was also part of the Pathfinders Program which exposed students at the center to camping and nature experiences.
In 1971, Tom married Rosemarie Fuller and together they raised a son Adam and a daughter Brett. His love and commitment for his wife and family was evident across their 52 years of marriage.
Tom could be recognized by his red Vespa and the trucks that he drove.
Tom enjoyed being on the waters of Casco Bay, spending summers on Peaks Island and winters in Nokomis Florida, sitting at Hadlock Cove, building model boats and the honor of being the Grand Marshall of the Peaks Island Fourth of July parade. Let’s not forget crossword puzzles, reading about WWII and having a cold one.
If you ever needed help, Tom was there. Even in retirement, Tom took a job as a crossing guard. On the way to school Tom (the teacher) would quiz the kids with trivia and waited for an answer on their walk home.
His pride as “Papa” showed through at every event his grandkids participated in. Whether it be sports, theatre, chorus, fishing for lobster or just being great kids. Their love for Papa was obvious by their willingness to sit on the porch and listen to his stories over and over again.
“He was a good guy and will be remembered as such”.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Gail Secord.
Tom is survived by his wife Rosemarie Perron; his son Adam Perron and wife Kimberly, their children Anthony, Eliese and Joseph Perron; his daughter Brett Aldrich and her children Lillian, George and John Aldrich; his sisters, Lynn Wilcox and her husband Mark of Cape Elizabeth; Joyce Perron of Peaks Island; his brother, Gregory Perron and his wife Sandra of Windham and brother-in-law, Steve Secord.
A graveside service will be held at New Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday January 10 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine in Tom’s name, Boys and Girls Club of Maine, PO Box 7830, Portland, ME 04112
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He cared.
Adam and Kim’s marriage brought us together as family. Wonderful memories watching our kids and grandkids together.
Always enjoyed his laughter, sharing of home for summer or family gatherings. Proud united grandparents watching our grandchildren in sports or milestones.
A great guy.
His laugh.
Tom was CYC shipmate who brought us many laughs. You could always count on Tom to lend a helping hand, he was good man, husband, father and leader.
We will always remember Tom showing us how to spin with grace and flare on the large spot-light mounted at CYC, what a hoot!
RIP
Dave & Linda
Heartfelt Sympathy to Rosemarie, Adam, Brett, and their families. I cherish the memories of fun times we shared!❤️
Rosemarie so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband my sympathy to you and your family
It was such a pleasure getting to know Tom over the many years at Peaks. He will certainly be missed.
Dan & I are so very sorry to hear of Tom passing. Thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏
Rosemarie and family,I am so sorry for your loss.❤My sincere sympathy and love to you all. Love ,Katie Earley
Tom was a great friend he will be missed.
We had a lot ot fun times with Tom.
Kevin & Nancy
To Brett and Adam and Rosemarie, I was so sorry to hear of the Thomas passed away. I new Brett and adan and Rosemarie. They lived in my neighborhood. So sorry for his passing. Take care. From, Kristen Tully
Everyday is July 4th in Heaven
Godspeed
Mary, Dave and family
My condolences to Tom’s family.
Rosemarie, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a great friend thru jr high and high school and you and Tom were good friends to Carol and I in all our early adult years. So sorry we lost touch and didn’t maintain our friendship thru the years . Our deepest condolences to you and your whole family
Great friend thru Lyman Moore Jr High and Deering High School
Rest in peace CB. Thanks for all the good times
Love,
Juan & Juanita
I enjoyed his warm costal Maine greeting when I arrived on Island. I loved watching him putter about fixing stuff, building stuff, and his hearty hellos from his porch.
I first met Tom when he came to my house to build a closet upstairs. The house did not have straight walls and he was trying to put in straight doors – it wasn’t going easily. Have known him over the years since then with a lot of good times at CYC. Will miss you.
My sincere condolences to Rosemarie and the entire family. Tom was a real nice guy! Treasure the happy memories!
Tom was my first cousin. Although we haven’t been in touch since childhood, I have fond memories of visiting Uncle Syl and Aunt Ethel and cousins. Arthur and Lillian Perron were my parents. Syl and Ethel were godparents to my sister Debra. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sandra Perron Nadeau
Tom and my brother Bruce were great friends . Tom and his brother Gregg played a lot of basketball with us in church leagues and the usm gym . Tom’s sister Gail was my neighbor on Angell Terrace in South Portland . Tom worked with many of my friends at the BTC center in south Portland . He was a great human being to others .
Rosemarie, our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. We will miss seeing Tom at Spanish Lakes Florida.
Peaks Island will never be the same without you. Tom will be missed by many.
I am going to miss all the stories, all the jokes, and all the banter on the hill with my friend. I learned so much about boating, the island, and his family.
I rented the front cottage, and a gust of wind took an umbrella off the deck and flew over the house and got caught on powerlines I was so bummed to tell him as he told me to watch out for that And all of the neighbors who come to discuss how could they happen
Tom lead th Fourth July Parade on Peaks Island
Tom was the Vice Principal at my first teaching position at The Maine Youth Center
I am so shocked to hear about Tom. I have known Tom as a Vice Principal at The Maine Youth Center and he was so wonderful to work for. Later I knew Tom from Peaks Island and the wonderful 4th of July Parade. And ultimately I have known Tom through his wonderful family that Rosemarie and Tom created. I will miss talking to him on the island and leading the parade from his pick up truck. A good soul
A true good soul.