Remembering Ronald S. Perry '54 P84,80,78

He was a WINNER. He was the main cog to the teams that won both the NIT Championship and the College Baseball World Series. I experienced both deep sadness and consoling joy — sadness when I anointed him with the Sacrament of the Sick (my last pass to him), but Joy because he is now with his beloved wife Pat, where he and God wanted him to be for all eternity. As a basketball teammate, he was a gifted athlete, both as a shooter and as a ball handler. His mere presence on the floor forced the opposing team to stretch their defense to match his long distance shooting ability. He helped make talented teammates even better. He made the ultimate sacrifice necessary to win the NIT — he accepted the role of a seldom shooting guard in order to facilitate the offensive power generated by Togo Palazzi and Tommy Heinsohn.

He scored 991 points in his College career, but could have scored many more points if given free reign to his offensive potential. But the good of the team and the cost of victory required he assume a play making role.

Ron was a truly great athlete and a devoted family man. He was blessed by God in many ways. May he rest in the peace and the glory of the Risen Christ.

As a Holy Cross student-athlete from 1988 to 1992, I had the privilege of being a part of an athletic program guided by Ron Perry — not only one of the most accomplished athletes our school has known, but also the athletic director who played a pivotal role in introducing women’s sports to our campus. He was always present at athletic competitions and there wasn't a day that I was in the fieldhouse where I didn't see Mr. Perry making the rounds. He surrounded himself with caring staff who were tasked to look out for the athletes, making my athletic experience at HC second to none. His passion for HC and sports was undeniable and he will be missed.

Mr. Perry’s leadership has inspired generations of student-athletes, coaches, administrators and staff. He guided Holy Cross Athletics through some of its most significant evolutions with integrity and genuine kindness for all involved. Through his faith, dedication and commitment, he also instilled a spirit of collaboration among the entire Holy Cross community that will forever be part of his legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Perry family.

I had the privilege of working for Mr. Perry at the College of the Holy Cross for 11 years. He was the best boss I ever had.

Mr. Perry was a very special person who had all the qualities of a successful leader and mentor. He was an invaluable resource for me, and others, due to his illustrious career as an athlete, coach, and administrator. I often sought his opinion, and advice, on matters of life and coaching; I loved meeting with him. I always learned so much, and what he shared with me was always spot on!

He was a humble man of many talents, of which perhaps the best was he was always helping others. He was always available, and keenly interested in working hard to make things better for his student-athletes, and athletic teams. He always did the “extra” to assist, and provide, for what you needed to be successful.

He was about excellence, class, and doing things the right way. He had tremendous passion, and love, for Holy Cross, truly bleeding purple. He established and set the STANDARD for what a Holy Cross Crusader is about. He personified being a “man for others”!

We are all very fortunate, better, and blessed to have had Mr. Perry in our lives. He was the absolute BEST!

Ron Perry is the ultimate Crusader who had a tremendous impact on Holy Cross athletics as a student-athlete from 1951-1954 and as an Athletic Director 1972-1998. As a young man, he arrived at Holy Cross equipped with a solid value system nurtured by the Perry family and Catholic Memorial High School. He was a tireless worker who was disciplined, selfless and very talented.

He distinguished himself as a pitcher in baseball, earning All-American honors and helped the Crusaders win the NCAA Championship in 1952.

His success as a point guard helped him lead the basketball team to the NIT Championship in 1954.

These two achievements elevated Ron Perry to the status as the only New England athlete to win the National Championships in two different sports.

His professional career brought his leadership talent back to College Hill in 1972. His authentic family approach as a servant leader was highlighted by his patience with and loyalty to his student-athletes and his administrative and coaching staff. Ron was an excellent listener, deliberate decision maker and was a supportive leader. His efforts as an AD were recognized and rewarded by his peers when he was named the ECAC Athletic Director of the year in 1997 as well as president of the ECAC in 1993.

Ron's devotion to his family has always been his #1 priority. He was very proud of his three children and he adored his wife, Pat, who was a frequent visitor to functions at Holy Cross and well known by the coaches in the "fieldhouse." After Pat's stroke, Ron dedicated most of his retirement time to her daily home care, which he performed well and without complaint. He often said it was the natural thing to do and she would have done the same thing for him.

These four aspects of Ron's life (baseball NCAA champion, basketball NIT champion, Athletic Director of the Year and dedicated daily caregiver) form an unbeatable Grand Slam of accomplishments that put Ron Perry on a remarkable pedestal for all of us to admire.

My personal life has been enriched by having known Ron Perry as my mentor and friend. I believe our world would be a better place if we all tried to be a little more like Ron Perry.

Rest in Peace Ron.

I was saddened to hear the news of Mr. Perry's passing. He was a legend. I was fortunate to be a good friend and teammate of Mr. Perry's niece, Nora Tracey, '93. It was always great to see him on campus, but when we ran into him, it was "There's my Uncle Ronnie!" I admired his commitment to building the women's programs. I vividly remember my exit interview with him in November of 1993. I commented that other teams were issued turf shoes when we had to buy our own. Wouldn't you know that the field hockey team was issued turf shoes after I graduated? When one of my friends told me, I knew he listened!

I was extremely fortunate to have worked for Ron Perry. He was a great mentor to me; an icon in the college athletic world. As great an Athletic Director as he was, Mr. Perry was even a better person. He will be sorely missed by so many. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

Throughout our lives, certain people leave lasting marks, shaping our paths and inspiring us to become our best selves. Ron Perry was one of those incredible mentors, whose influence went far beyond the walls of Holy Cross. His unshakeable belief in each person he met brought out a deep sense of worth and potential, making everyone feel seen and valued.

As the leader of the athletic department, Mr. Perry’s vision went beyond traditional boundaries, especially in his dedicated work to expand and grow women’s athletic programs. His constant support and limitless wisdom helped young athletes go after their dreams.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ron was a true example of integrity and commitment, living by the values of family, faith, and service. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on so many lives.

Ron Perry was the athletic director when I was hired as head field hockey and women's lacrosse coach in 1985. I remember that first day when we shared a laugh as Ron told me that perhaps he won't tell the president that I am a BC grad. I felt his warmth and kindness from the start. Having coached at Holy Cross for 23 years, I witnessed the effects from Ron's contributions that offered growth and success for women's sports, and I appreciate the caring staff he brought in to oversee and fully support our programs. Ron also showed he cared by stopping in frequently; he was a good listener. I am grateful for all that he did for Holy Cross athletics and I will truly miss him.