Mr. Ronald S. Perry - 1932-2024
Remembering Ronald S. Perry
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary basketball coach Ronald S. Perry P'76. He was 92.
Mr. Perry was CM's first lay faculty member as well as its first basketball coach, and first athletic director. Perry was the father of the vaunted CM basketball program. He created a winning tradition that started with a state championship in 1962, when the school was only five years old. During his tenure, he would go on to win 292 games, 10 straight Catholic Conference crowns, four Tech Tournaments and three state championships.
After CM, Mr. Perry served as the Athletic Director at the College of the Holy Cross, but was never far from Baker Street. In his later years, he could be found every morning in the front office chatting with staff and faculty.
Please keep the Perry family in your thoughts and prayers. God bless Ron Perry.
Mr. Perry was CM's first lay faculty member as well as its first basketball coach, and first athletic director. Perry was the father of the vaunted CM basketball program. He created a winning tradition that started with a state championship in 1962, when the school was only five years old. During his tenure, he would go on to win 292 games, 10 straight Catholic Conference crowns, four Tech Tournaments and three state championships.
After CM, Mr. Perry served as the Athletic Director at the College of the Holy Cross, but was never far from Baker Street. In his later years, he could be found every morning in the front office chatting with staff and faculty.
Please keep the Perry family in your thoughts and prayers. God bless Ron Perry.
Next to the loss of my mother, the passing of Mr. Perry is the saddest experience of my life. It would be impossible to overstate the profound impact Mr. Perry had on me and the special role he played in shaping the person I would become. He was not just my coach, but a lifelong mentor and friend. May God be good to him and may His grace comfort the Perry family in their sorrow. – Ron Texeira ‘65
I was one of the lucky ones to be blessed by Mr. Perry’s influence and guidance. He taught me grace, poise and kindness. Our relationship spanned 50-plus years, and each year was a gift. Catholic Memorial has a saying, “Character Matters.” It is a tribute to who Mr. Perry was. This day, the universe has lost one of its brightest stars. - Bill Raynor ‘70
Mr. Perry Through the Years
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Funeral Arrangements
Funeral Arrangements
Visiting hours will be at Gormley Funeral Home on Friday, November 1, 4:00–8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa's Church, West Roxbury on Saturday, November 2, 11:00 a.m. -
Leave a Prayer for the Perry Family
Leave a Prayer for the Perry Family
Prayers and messages for the Perry family can be left on the CM Prayer Wall. -
Make a Memorial Gift
Make a Memorial GiftTo make a gift to CM in honor of Mr. Perry, click here.
Mr. Perry in Images
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Final Instructions
Coach Ron Perry (right) of Catholic Memorial gives his boys some last minute tips before they meet St. John's in Tech Tourney at the Boston Garden. Team, from left: Bob Joyce, Skip Lockwood, Ron Teixeira, Lou Bingham, Jim O'Brien. (Photo by Paul Maguire) -
Two Rons Make it Right
High scoring Ron Teixeira, 6-8 1/2, of undefeated Catholic Memorial High, measures up to expectations of Coach Ron Perry by averaging 36 points and 20 rebounds. (Photo by Paul J. Maguire) -
The King and I
Catholic Memorial coach Ron Perry briefs King Gaskins (left), Mike Vicens and Paul McLaughlin during their 73-55 win over Don Bosco. (Ellis Herwig photo) -
Congratulations???
Woburn coach Dick Skeffington (left) waived the customary after-game handshake and greeted Catholic Memorial coach Ron Perry in this fashion at mid-court after Memorial won Tech game. Both are former Somerville High captains. -
Here We Go Again!
Off to another Garden final, with Durfee, go Catholic Memorial's tall tournament terrors. From left, coach Ron Perry, Brother T. Feerick, athletic moderator; Charlie Muise, Jim Cavanaugh, Art Good, Paul Hallisey, Ron Texeira and Bob Roche. -
A Coach for the Ages
As CM's basketball coach, Mr. Perry led the Knights to 200 wins, four Tech Tournaments and two state championships. -
Inside the Huddle
Coach Perry gives advice during a break in the action. -
The 1969 State Champions
Featuring three All-Americans, two 1,000-point scorers, and a 2,000-point scorer, this squad boasted a perfect 29-0 record and beat Springfield Commerce 52-51 in what many called the greatest game of basketball in Massachusetts high school history. -
Get Down!
Memorial Coach Ron Perry rolls on the floor in joy as his team ties the score at 48-48 in Tech Tourney action (Charles Carey Photo) -
Fit for a King
In 2023, Perry was joined by members of the family of King Gaskins '72 for his retirement ceremony. His number 14 now hangs above the court in the Ron Perry Gymnasium. -
A Holy Cross Legend
Mr. Perry stands next to a mural of him pitching for the Crusaders during the 1950s. (Image Credit - Worcester Telegram & Gazette) -
Mr. Perry was a regular at CM events and athletic contests. Here, he is pictued with the current Board Chair, Kevin Costello '63 -
Honoring the Legends
In January 2024, at the request of Mr. Perry, the numbers 44 and 52 were retired in honor of Billy Raynor '70 and Fran Costello '69. Both men scored over 1,000 points, were All-Americans, and helped lead the team to the 1969 State Championship. -
Always Present
Mr. Perry was always a regular presence at CM basketball games and was often joined by former players, like Ron Texera '64
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Catholic Memorial
Catholic Memorial
235 Baker StreetWest Roxbury, MA 02132P. (617) 469-8000F. (617) 977-5689
About Us
Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity and complex problems and the importance of relationships.
