Gary E. Perry, Sr.
Gary E. Perry, Sr., age 70, of Mansfield, passed away Thursday morning, December 25, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was born on November 13, 1955.
Gary was the devoted husband of the love of his life for 51 years, Cathy L. Perry. Cathy survives along with their children: Gary (Angela) Perry, Jr. and Tonya (Zac) Helbert; his five grandchildren: Sophia Perry, Adi Helbert, Mya Perry, Colton Helbert, and Hutson Perry; his siblings, Rocky and Rosie; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mayo Allen and Ona Delores (Butler) Perry; and his siblings: Buddy, Connie, and Shirley.
Gary joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school and proudly served his country. After his service, he returned to Mansfield to live and work. He loved the outdoors, whether it was fishing with family at Lake Erie, camping trips to Canada, or the many backroad drives he took with Cathy—never needing a map and never getting lost, because he always just seemed to know the way.
Spending time with his family was one of Gary’s favorite things to do. He could always be found on the sidelines cheering for his children, and later his grandchildren. He willingly traveled long distances, sat through terrible weather, and attended multiple sporting events in a single day—not because he loved sports, but because he loved his grandkids and never wanted to miss an important moment in their lives. He often reminded them that they “got their sporting abilities from their papa.” Gary made each of them feel important, and they always knew how deeply he loved them.
Gary was a gifted handyman. From building a beautiful potting shed for Cathy to constructing elaborate tree forts for his grandchildren, there was little he couldn’t accomplish with a hammer and nails. If something didn’t need built but, perhaps, someone was just down on their luck, Gary was always there. Friend, coworker, or stranger—it didn’t matter. Gary never wanted to see anyone down and would help in any way he could.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Diana Seaman will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail, with burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate), a cause Gary supported for many years.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at PenwellFuneralHome.com or on its Facebook page.
To view Gary’s Tribute Video, click here: Gary’s Tribute Video.
I’m so sorry that Gary has passed away! Since last winter, he really put up a good fight! He was the nicest guy! He always said hello whenever we saw him at Adi or Colton’s games. May he rest in God’s loving arms! Many hugs to all of you!
Your in our thoughts and prayers. Love Aunt Anita and Sherry
Cathy we are so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. Loved seeing him and talking with him at the Clear Fork soccer games. He was such a gentle soul. Sorry we won’t be able to attend the services because we our out of town. But we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry to hear of Gary’s passing..Gary was good man loved by many..lots of love n prayers for family
Cathy we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. Love and prayers to you and the rest of the family.
Cathy and family, I am so sorry with the passing of Gray. Growing up we always thought it was funny that we were born on the same day. He always had an easy laugh. He will be sadly missed.
This breaks my heart. My deepest condolences to Uncle Gary’s family during this difficult time. May God bless and help you through. You’ll remain in my thoughts and prayers!
Cathy, So sorry for your loss. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Perry family we are so sorry for your loss May he rest in peace and fly high with the angels. We did not find out till Sunday that Gary passed away Ruby Jeff Mike Stephanie Vavra
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Big Gary. He was always so nice and kind and shared such a great sense of humor. I’m hoping that you all can find peace knowing he was loved by many and the memories are close to your heart❤️