Obituaries

Christopher Z. Perry, 47

January 13, 2022

Christopher Z. Perry
Educator, Scholar, Athlete, Coach
Chris passed away on Thursday, January 13th. He died from natural causes, which caused a small vehicle accident.
In June of 2021 he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, and courageously endured treatment until the end of his life.
He graduated in 1992 from Penn Manor High School. While attending there, he was a member of the high school swimming team. He was mostly known for competing in the 100 yd breast stroke and the 200 IM stroke. His record still stands in the IM. He received 2-time All-State and Honorable Mention All American.
Upon graduation he received a University of Pittsburgh scholarship for swimming. In addition to his excellence in the pool, he had many achievements in the classroom. He graduated Cum Laude, and received the most prestigious “Blue Gold” award for most outstanding scholar/athlete in 1996, as well as the 1995-1996 Big East Scholar Athlete Award. Chris will forever be remembered on the University Walk of Fame.
He received a post graduate award to complete his Education Degree at Pitt.
His first teaching position was in the Fall of 1997 with the School District of Lancaster. Until his death he enjoyed 25 years with the district. He was known for creating “Tornado Man Mascot”, teaching in the Baccalaureate Program Psychology, and most recent Cyber School. He loved his students. He made a difference in all of their lives.
He also enjoyed coaching the McCaskey H.S. swim team. He spent 3 years in Japan teaching English to elementary children.
Until his cancer diagnosis, he enjoyed a part-time DJ business, and became well known in the area.
He also enjoyed coaching age group swimmers in the summer at Conestoga Community Pool and competing in swimming and triathlons.
He was associated with the Millersville Community UMC, YMCA, and LAC.
He loved visiting the DR in the summer, and gave generously to the Mariposa Girl School: bathing suits, caps, and towels were given to the children plus swim lessons.
Chris was always a bright light. He is survived by his mother Patricia, father Keith, and sister Amy. He was preceded in death by a baby son, Christopher.
He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends, and students.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 29th at the Millersville Community Church – Hope Campus, 242 Bender Rd, Millersville, PA 17551 9:30 – 11 AM visitation and 11 AM memorial service. Rev. Kerry Leeper will conduct services. Masks are required. Click here to view service remotely. A private graveside service will be held at the discretion of the family. Please omit flowers.
Contributions in memory of Chris can be made to the Mariposa DR Foundation, 213 N. Tioga St, Box 425, Ithaca, NY 14851.

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Condolences to the Family

January 26, 2023

My heart goes out to the family of Chris known to my husband and I as DJ Chris Perry. I happened to see that his birthday was today and upon stopping by his FB page saw someone post that it was his Heavenly Birthday and my heart just broke.  Life is unfair and takes the best human beings from this earth way before they should go.  I wanted to tell him Happy Birthday and share that our daughter was loving swimming and had joined the local swim team (she’s only 5) as I know that would have made him smile so big. Our wedding was one of the best days of our life but it was because Chris kept our dance floor packed.  Keeping in contact on FB I enjoyed watching his travels around the world including his teaching excursion in Japan – wow! What a trip that was.  Cant believe Chris has passed for this life but I know his spirit is forever here.  He was an exceptional human and he changed the lives of so many – literally everyone whose path he crossed.   Mitch & Cherrill Hartman

February 02, 2022

Dear Pat, Keith and Amy,  sending you are deepest sympathy, Tom, Steve and I saw Chris at Penn Manor/CV high school meet before Christmas, we had not seen Chris, maybe for 30 years, even with his mask on, I recognize his smile in his eyes, so glad to see him after all those years.  Remembering all the LAC days we were cheering our boys. May you feel Gods love to comfort you in the days ahead.  The Ludwig’s

January 31, 2022

Although I did not have Chris in class at Penn Manor he was well known by everyone. His outgoing personality and swimming prowess were attributes that made him a standout in school. The loss of any young person is sad but the loss of a child is even more devastating since it is out of a natural sequence that we all assume. May all the fun times and memories with Chris bring a smile to you in the future.
John Sullivan

January 30, 2022

There are no words that can express what it feels like to lose a loved one.  my brother, my friend CHRIS you will always remain in my heart.  I will never forget your good advice.  I remember how happy you were that time you went with me to visit my grandparents.  I still have your photo riding that donkey, it was fun to see how your feet, being so tall, touched the ground.  rest in peace my brother.  one day i will see you

January 29, 2022

Dear Pat,Keith and Amy 
We cannot imagine the sorrow and grief you all must be experiencing.  Our prayers and sympathy to each of you. We recall with fond memories all the great swimming days at Conestoga. 
Jake,Pattie,Adrienne (Wasserman),Michelle (Litsky) and Erika (Wilson) Badorf 
 
 

January 29, 2022

Chris will be remembered in so many wonderful ways.  He shared love and joy whereever he was.  
We will remember his as a great swimmer and wonderful human being.  
We pray that your family will be washed in the grace of God as you go forward from this day of loss.  

January 29, 2022

Dear Pat, Keith and Amy,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Chris. His spirit will live on in all the lives he touched. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Warmly,
Jill Poland Ludwig

January 29, 2022

Chris was a larger than life figure for me growing up. Whether it was coming to watch him swim, playing some sort sport at Thanksgiving gatherings.  His towering figure to me as a child was always awe inspiring. Chris was a very driven indiviual that will always keep me focused on what is possible. Always in my thoughts.  Yours sincerely Josh & Thanh Nguyen
 

January 29, 2022

My friend and hero, Chris Perry
 
I first met Chris when I was eight years old. Doug Cody knew my mom and was coaching the Conestoga Swim Team that summer. My mom really needed an outlet for her two boys and signed us up. Chris was my idol. An amazing swimmer, but supremely humble. He was three years older than I, but always acknowledged his many little fans. I’d see Chris every summer swimming for Conestoga, but when it was time to go to Penn Manor High School, and there wasn’t a swim team, Doug Cody stepped up to create and coach one. Chris, my brother, and enough others to make a relay, were part of the inaugural team. I only had freshman year with Chris. As the Senior Captain, he was our source of leadership, positivity, pride, and compassion (because you can’t win them all).
  
I didn’t see Chris again until he came to Sano, Japan in 2005 as a teacher on the sister city program. I had already been there for five years and convinced him to join the Sano Swallows Swim School in town. It was great when we would meet up during the week for practice with other Masters swimmers. I would brag about him in Japanese to our teammates and coach. I’m sure he would have been embarrassed had he known what I said, but it was all true. We asked him to join the Tochigi Prefectural Masters Swim Competition. Of course he would have dominated, but Chris didn’t join us. He declined when we told him he would have to cover his shoulder tattoo of his son, as required in competition at Japanese pools (no visible tattoos). We still had enough for the mixed age relay when our 65 year old coach put out his cigarette and stepped on the block (Yes, that’s true). Chris was missed for his comradery more than his talent in the pool. Our teammates really respected Ku-Ri-Su san.   
 
The last time I truly shared a moment with Chris was at the 2019 Penn Manor HS Swimming Alumni Meet. He told me he would be back from Japan in time, and I told him how fun it was the year prior. It’s always beautiful watching Chris swim. I didn’t win, but I’m proud to say it was the closest I ever came to beating him. Although he did ride his bike from Lancaster City (I even saw him speed by me afterwards, on the way home. I honked and waved, but he was gone.), so I think he was taking it easy in the pool that day.
 
I still look to Chris as my role model. So on January 26, 2022 I swam 100m 48 times for my hero. It wouldn’t have taken Chris as long.
 
*Please excuse, and freely correct, any errors in my memories. With Love, Robb

January 28, 2022

Wishing you solace and comfort.  Such a beautiful life taken too soon!

January 26, 2022

Ive known Chris for almost 30 years.  I met him through my brother Michael. He was always a good friend, kind, funny, humble and extremely caring.  You will be missed by so many Chris Perry. May God continue to shine his bright light on you and your beautiful life story that you leave behind.  Smile my dear friend, you are healed. 
 Monica Trego 

January 25, 2022

No words can express how saddened we are at your loss.  Keeping you in our hearts & prayers! 

January 25, 2022

While swimming for Penn Manor High School, I was honored to call Chris Perry my teammate and my friend. Looking back on those happy years now, I remember Chris as a major source of the success, good spirits, and camaraderie of our team. He was a gifted athlete with an infectious smile, a generous soul, and a fun-loving spirit. On behalf of my team, I send my deepest condolences to the Perry family and I salute the memory of our dear teammate.
Yours Sincerely,
Brian LaPierre  

January 24, 2022

Dear Perry Family: 
I wanted to express my condolences and love to you for Chris. I worked w him @ JP (while I was an art teacher) for many years and will be among the scores of people who will miss him. I saw him about 2 wks before he passed- I invited him over to pick up his ‘gorilla’. (He had given his collection of monkeys/gorillas to staff for safekeeping while in Japan.) I didn’t get a chance to return it after retirement/lockdown in ’20. To say his demise was a shock is an understatement. He was a sweet, funny, caring man whom was so dedicated to his teaching, coaching and exercise regimen. Many years ago, I had one of my students make a clay ‘Tornado Man’ to represent Chris and his years of being our mascot for our Heroes Mural section (across from the Alumni Office, 2nd fl). I’ll include a pic here- I hope that you can see it. The world is a little sadder w/o him here. I only hope that you can find comfort that he has joined his son. Sincerely, Kassie Schelling

January 22, 2022

Dear Pat and Keith and Amy,
although we did not know Chris, from what we’ve read he’s an amazing person with a beautiful soul who will be missed by so many people he touched. His smile looks like it could light up the world and we are sure it did yours. We are so sorry for your enormous loss. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Andi & Herb Shiroff

January 21, 2022

Jim and I are so sorry to learn of your loss of Chris. There are many lives that he touched and many who will miss him. We are so impresssed with how wonderful a young man he was. He certainly was “a bright light” during all the swimming days that our family shared.  

January 21, 2022

My deepest condolences to you all. You spoke proudly of Chris and his accomplishments. He was truly loved by everyone. May the memories keep you smiling and even laughing. God bless you all. 

January 20, 2022

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of this special soul. All three of my children had Mr. Perry as a teacher at McCaskey.  Two of them went to Japan in 8th grade and met Mr. Perry sharing his love of Japan.  One son was inspired to return to Japan for a semester in college and then taught English in Korea for many years.  Mr. Perry was Travis swim coach too.  As a teacher he was superb.  He inspired students with a passion.  One son never liked school and didn’t think he would like psychology but when you have a  great teacher with a passion for the subject, psychology was one of his favorite classes.  Who forget Chris Perry as Mr. Tornado.  Such enthusiasm and passion for life.  He will be missed.  My heart goes out to his family.  He has left his mark on many!!

January 20, 2022

Give my condolence to the family.. I new Chris since I was 18. He was best friends with my brother when he passed away from cancer few years ago. He was a humble sweet person inside and out. He always had smile and make you laugh. Good conversation. Respectful honest funny such big heart.. Chris was my teacher and my daughters teacher. He will be missed. 

January 19, 2022

Pat and Keith:
I am sor sorry for the loss of your wonderful son.  I only met him the one time that Yvonne and I were blessed to share in the family monthly breakfast.  He had recently returned from Japan and I had the pleasure of sitting accross from Chris at breakfast.  He shared experiences he had in Japan, but also the joy of being back with his family.  I could tell from the time that I spent with him that he was a really amazing man.  Well educated, kind, and so excited to be involved with his students education and their lives outside of school.  oth of you did a wonderful job raising Chris.  He touched so many lives and I believe those touched will pay that forward to other people they meet in life.  I can’t imging the pain of losing a child, no matter how old they are.  My deepest sympathy to you and I am also sending prayers for healing to your family.
 

January 18, 2022

Rest In Peace dear friend. I’m so blessed to have crossed paths with you as part of my PITT varsity family. You were always positive, smiling, happy, generous and kind. The world will be a bit dimmer without your bright light. My sincerest condolences to your family. Forever Panther. Miss you buddy. H2P 
Laurie A. Fernandez 

January 18, 2022

Chris was one of the most genuine and kind hearted human beings I have ever known, and I was proud to call him a friend. He was loved and respected by so many people, and he truly gave his life to others. He wanted to see good in the world and would do anything he could to help and uplift people. Despite his recent health battles, he still faced each day with a positive outlook and smile on his face. Time and time again, he went above and beyond to be good to others. Whether that was going out of his way to offer a helping hand or just a simple text message to say, “Hi, how are you” ?  I can honestly say that he was the perfect example of the type of person the world needs more of. Chris lived his life to the fullest and it was a blessing to be in his presence. He was great man, and he will be greatly missed. But the memories he left behind are irreplaceable. To his parents, I would like to say that you raised an amazing person !! My deepest condolences for your loss. And my prayers for you as you move forward to remember and honor him. He will be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. May he rest in peace …. 

January 18, 2022

Chris was always a joy to talk with and i am blessed to have gotten to know such a wonderful, kind and supportive teacher and all around great individual.  Praying for the family.

January 18, 2022

Chris was what every man should want to be like, loved, respected and such a good heart and helped so many people and organizations. Chris is my friend and I will miss you very much but I know you are DJ in heaven with a amazing group as your audience.                                                                                        

January 18, 2022

Chris was one of the most wonderful, kindest, caring and loving people I ever met. He will be in our hearts forever and his memory cherished.  Thank you for sharing him with us. My deepest and most sincere condolences. Prayers and love to you.

January 18, 2022

Chris was a  kind man that I will always remember!! Thank you for sharing your son with us!!
 

January 17, 2022

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your son.  The many beautiful tributes acknowledge what an amazing person he was and the impact his life had on so many. Praying that God surrounds you with His peace and love.

January 17, 2022

Chris.
You never had anything but a positive expression, positive words, and a positive vibe which was surely contagious amonst all of us who earnestly appreciated and adored your wit, laughter, and constant encouragement to all of us, both young and old alike. 
Your service to the community could never be replicated, but we can surely attempt to carry on your legacy and share the many memories which you’ve created for us all.
I know God has already put you to work, getting that DJ table ready for when we all get there to join you again some day.
Rest away, my good brother.
Coach “Tee” Richardson

January 17, 2022

Words cannot explain or express how devastating this is.  Our only belief is God needed another warrior…I miss you Chris, I always will, RIP my friend.     Ken Beaner

January 17, 2022

I hadn’t talked to or seen Chris in some years, as that happens in life. But he was always an absolute gentleman and loving guy. I loved running into him and chatting. I had no idea he was battling cancer, and I’m terribly terribly sorry to hear of his passing. I pray you can find some peace and solace in knowing how much brother he made the world. Obviously, no words can truly help or heal right now, but please know how loved your son is and was. My thoughts are with you.

January 17, 2022

Kieth, Pat & Amy-  My sympathy to the Perry family on the loss of Chris.  While I did not know Chris, I knew his father Keith but my two grand daughters have positive rememberance of Chris as students in his psychology class at JP McCaskey a few years ago.    

January 17, 2022

 
Mr.Perry was one of the greatest teachers i’ve ever had, this year is my senior year because of him. He believed in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself… I last spoke to him the day before his passing. He’s impacted so many but the part he played in my life is truly unforgettable. When I walk across the stage this June I’ll be honoring him and I really hope he walks with me; I dedicate my success to you Mr.Perry against all odds you made it possible for me and the way God lived through you is so mesmerizing. To know Mr.Perry was such a blessing to each and every individual he came into contact with, you will always be loved and remembered CP. Thank you for believing in me, to his family my heart and prayers are with you. To his parents, thank you for raising the most amazing person; he truly is one of a kind and I’m so sorry you didn’t get more time. But the lifetime full of memories you share will live on with you forever.

January 17, 2022

Marty, Eric and the entire Wayman Family, would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family. We loss a wonderful human being, but, the Heaven’s have gained an Angel, with a heart of gold. Rest , my friend, Rest. 

January 17, 2022

Chris was the life of every DJ event he attended. He was welcomed to the community and was loved by everyone. He will surely be missed. RIP my friend! Thanks for all the memories. 

January 17, 2022

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of having Mr. Perry as an educator at Lincoln and at McCaskey. He cared so deeply for his students. He always offered an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. He was a genuine soul and the impact he’s had with his students and community will carry his legacy for years to come. Rest well Mr. Perry

January 17, 2022

Dear Pat and Keith, We were saddened to read about Chris’ passing. We remember him when he swam with our daughter Elizabeth on the LAC swim team. Reading his accomplishments, we learned what a special man he had become since his high school days. Sending hugs. Kathy and Bob Hallworth and Elizabeth Davis

January 17, 2022

Mr. Perry was a wonderful person, teacher, & swim coach. He touched all of our lives and impacted them as well. I’m sad that he’s gone. My condolences to his family. 

January 17, 2022

My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to friends and family of this amazing man. there’s so much I can share about Chris throughout our over 19 years of friendship. What I will say is that he was an amazing man and his smile lit up any room. It was an honor to know him. May God give you all strength and fortitude During this most difficult time

January 17, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. I still cherish and enjoy my memories of growing up and swimming with Chris for all these years. My fondest memories are not only the swimming ones but also the ones of us going through our akward years and trying to figure out who we were and who we would become. Chris really went out in the world and lived his life fully to the end. R.I.P my old friend

January 17, 2022

Dear Pat and Keith, I was so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your son.  My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

January 17, 2022

Like many others, Chris was one of my teachers as part of the IB program at McCaskey in the late 90s, early 2000s. 20 years later and his passing was deeply saddening. He was a great educator, motivator, and friend to so many students. He was relatable and transparent about his tough days after the passing of his son. At a time when mental health was usually discussed behind closed doors, he showed all of us that feeling down was normal sometimes, tough days would come, but being good and good to others was a choice. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, he was a great human and we need more like him.

January 17, 2022

Keith and pat   I’m so sorry to hear about Chris   Too young!  Thanks for being great neighbors in Conestoga    Judy perry (Kasperson)

January 17, 2022

So sorry Perry family for your loss.  Chris was a great guy.  Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.  

January 17, 2022

Such a great humble person. Awesome DJ very friendly and funny. He will always be remembered for all the good memories and positive  things he taught his students and friends  Rest Easy Mr Perry. Sorry for ur loss to the family keep the faith pray and it wont get easy but ull learn to live with the loss. Always think about the good memories n stick together always.  

January 17, 2022

Dear Pat, Keith and Amy,  We are so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of your son, Chris.  By the accounts we have read, he was God’s Gift to alot of people and will be missed by all.  Just reading about him should inspire others to reach out and make a difference.  You raised a very special son.  We send our Heart felt condolences. God Bless You .

January 17, 2022

Pat and Keith. We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son.  Although we didn’t know him, he sounds like an awesome person and teacher, who touched so many lives.  May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.  

January 17, 2022

Grew up with Chris in the swimming world as a fellow athlete and later a coach. I always had so much admiration for him. Truly a kind, fun and talented person!  Lots of fond memories from Conestoga and the YMCA.

January 17, 2022

We are so Sorry for the lost of a wonderful Man, teacher, freind, and all around great person. Chris has impacked so many of Lancasters finest McCaskey’s students and Coworkers. This world has lost a little bit of sunshine. My prayers for his family and everyone who he has touched in their life. God Bless you all. <3

January 17, 2022

Chris was always a positive guy and I always enjoyed riding and catching up with him. Unfortunately proving that, only the good die young. Rest in piece my friend. 

January 17, 2022

Chris was an amazing person. His love for swimming, young people, music, and adventure will always be remembered. He has impacted so many people. His light in heaven will shine bright!

January 17, 2022

I have such fond memories of Chris on the swim team and I loved hearing over the years how he was making such a difference in the classroom. He was just an amazing human- from an absolutely wonderful family. I will be thinking and praying for the Perry family. Jen Gustafson (Jen Benson)

January 17, 2022

Sending my sincere sympathies and condolences to Chris’ family during this difficult time.  I became friends with Chris a few years ago and so sad with this news as I just recently saw him 2 weeks prior.  He was such a good humanitarian and I feel very privileged to have known him and have him as a friend.  

January 17, 2022

My heart is so sad. What an amazing person. Mr. Perry was one of the best teachers Ive ever had. Most importantly, he was always there and was a safe space when I needed one. He helped me through some hard times. Rest easy Mr. Perry. You will be missed.

January 17, 2022

I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. The impact he had on everyone he came in contact with was unmeasurable. I was lucky enough to have him as a teach in my years at McCaskey and he was by far one of my favorites! He will truly be missed. 

January 16, 2022

We were so saddened to hear the news of Chris’s death. Chris and I swam together at LAC and later coached Lancater summer league together. He was a kind, funny and passionate person who loved life and helping others. Chris’s smile always lit up the room and he loved to make everyone else in the room smile. His work ethic and caring nature were always present. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed by so many. 

January 16, 2022

What A Schock,  Seeing Amy’s FB Post On The Loss Of Her Beloved Brother!  Pat..Keith & Amy..My Heartfelt Thoughts And Prayers Are With You All.. Christian And David Always Said What A Wonderful Guy Chris Was And I Believe Contacted Him From Time To Time.. I Remember Chris From The Conestoga Swim Team, Where He Always Encouraged Christian (Butterflyer) & David (Breast Stroker!) And Many Other Young Swimmers On The Team!  His Handsome Smile Was Infectious!! The World Has Become A Bit Dimmer, With The Loss Of This WONDERFUL Young Man!!

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