Obituary – John Eugene “Gene” Perry
John Eugene “Gene” Perry, 91, of Cumberland Crossings in Carlisle, PA, died September 18, 2025, surrounded by loving family and caregivers.
Born July 25, 1934, in Lock Haven, PA, he was the son of the late John F. “Jack” and Winifred A. (Ward) Perry and the beloved husband of Audrey (Freeberg) Perry, who preceded him in death in May 2025.
Gene grew up in Clinton County and graduated from Renovo High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Aerographer’s Mate during the Korean War before earning a business degree from Penn State University in 1959. His career included work as a kitchen designer and co-founder of Penn Central Personnel Service, followed by a long civil service career with the U.S. Army at Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Fort Ritchie, Fort Richardson (Alaska), and finally the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, where he retired in 1994.
Gene and Audrey married in 1956 and spent nearly 69 years together raising their family and maintaining their 250-year-old Whistlewind Farm near Newville. He enjoyed woodworking, farming, antique collecting, and sharing his love of history and the outdoors.
He is survived by children Barbara Lander (Dan Johnson), Cynthia K. Perry (PJ Ventura), Patricia E. Gilmore (Dan), David N. Perry (John Smoker), and Carol A. Kelkis (Michael); grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jeffery Lander, Jason Gilmore (Christina), Benjamin Kelkis, Madison Kelkis, Allison Lander, Christopher Lander, and Kai Gilmore; sister Sharon E. Ford; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey and son John D. Perry.
Friends will be received Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the narthex of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Carlisle, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or a charity of your choice. www.EwingBrothers.com
