Patrick Joseph Perry, age 83, of Sechrist Lake and rural North Webster, bid farewell to this earthly home on Feb. 25, 2025, at Parkview Kosciusko Hospital in Warsaw.
He was surrounded by his wife at the time of his unexpected passing. His family celebrated his life with kind words, as well as a balm of tears and laughter.
Patrick was born on Feb. 1, 1942, in Muncie. He was the firstborn child of Charles Edward Perry Jr. and Suanne Hanna Perry. Patrick's parents and one brother, Michael James Perry, preceded him in death. He is survived by one brother, Timothy Edward Perry; and one sister, Jane Perry Philips.
Patrick attended St. Mary's and St. Lawrence grade schools in Muncie and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Anderson in 1960. He studied at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, for two years before entering the Dominican Order, where he studied at St. Peter Martyr Priory for one year. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in philosophy from the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest, Ill. Following a year of theology studies at Aquinas Institute, Patrick returned home to Muncie.
After working for a year as a psychiatric social worker at Richmond State Hospital, Patrick joined the Peace Corps. He served in the Philippines, teaching science and English. After completing his tour of duty, he entered Indiana University and earned a Master of Social Work degree. It was during this time that he met Carolyn Cain, who became the love of his life.
Patrick and Carolyn were married at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Indianapolis on June 17, 1972. They made their home in Kokomo, where they began their decades-long careers in social work and mental health. Their two sons, Charles Edward Perry III and Thomas Aquinas Patrick Perry, were born, and life took on new meaning and considerable joy.
In retirement, Patrick and Carolyn moved to the family home on Sechrist Lake in Warsaw. While living in the community, they became members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw, where Patrick served as lector, cantor and member of the adult choir. Patrick was also a Benedictine Oblate of St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad.
Patrick's interests included volunteering at the North Webster Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Friends of the North Webster Library and Juan Diego Bookstore. He enjoyed reading history, biography and theology books. Patrick appreciated the tranquility and family fun of living on the lake. Never one to shy away from combining fun with work, he would happily bake pies, breads and ethnic recipes to share with family and friends when they came to visit. Perhaps the proverb, "Laughter doeth good like a medicine," inspired Patrick's wit and good humor. With his kind heart and ready laugh, he could indeed make anyone feel better and loved. His legacy of compassion will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him.
Surviving Patrick are his wife, Carolyn Cain Perry, of Sechrist Lake; his son, Charles Edward Perry III and his wife Heather, of Fishers; his son, Thomas Aquinas Patrick Perry, of Kokomo; grandchildren, Taylor Adele, of Cincinnati; and Cole Thomas Boruff, of Kokomo; his sister, Jane Perry Philips; and his brother, Timothy (Suzy) Perry. Other survivors include godsons, Eric Richard, Ara Wade; and an “adopted” son, Owen Flannigan, of Bellshill, Scotland.
Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for Patrick and the family. A Life Celebration visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 3 at Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8056 E. CR 500N, North Webster. At 6:30 p.m., a rosary will be held for Patrick. On March 4, a visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison St., Warsaw, starting at 10 a.m., with his funeral mass beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
If you wish to offer a memorial, please consider Sacred Heart School, the North Webster Public Library, or the North Webster Food Pantry. A most fitting way to honor Patrick's life is to simply perform an act of kindness for a stranger.