Ross Michael Perry, 68, passed away Sunday October 22nd, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness. He was the second child and only son born on November 19, 1954 to the late Marie Torcello and Samuel Perry.
He attended St. Mary's Parochial school in Batavia NY, Stella Niagara School Cadet Program in Lewiston NY, and was a 1973 Graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia NY. He spent his childhood with his cousins at his grandparent’s farms where he found his love of horses with the help of his Aunts and Uncles.
After high school he spent many years grooming and training race horses. In the mid-1970s he was employed by Jim Mulcahy Stables and was the caretaker of the trotter "Vinassi" who's winnings totaled $170,000. He also owned horses with Sal Marchese. Known as "Rossi" by his fellow horseman, he was always a well-liked, fun loving guy. He traveled up and down the eastern seaboard with various stables and horseman grooming and training horses. He was a member of USTA and Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association. In the 1990's he settled down and joined the family business with his father becoming a businessman and certified collector and running a satellite office out of their house to collect bounced checks, this paid the bills but he never stopped with his horse obsession.
He cherished his time with his only niece and nephew allowing them to indulge in happy meals from McDonald's and climb on top of his car to look over the fence and watch the horses on the track at the Downs. He always enjoyed taking the kids to see the horses and teaching them how to feed and ride them. He was especially proud of his namesake Philip Ross Klein and had watched every one of his movies that he had done the music for.
Ross lived every day to his fullest spending his time away from work enjoying road trips with good friends to find good food, watching and betting on horse races in person and on line all over the world, watching sports, especially the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees, camping and hunting with friends, traveling to gentlemen's clubs, enjoying music and drinks at Billy Goats, or a good breakfast at Settler's. He also enjoyed driving through the countryside and looking for and buying fresh produce directly from farmers. Ross was extremely generous with his time, money, and possessions. He was always up for an adventure, however big or small.
He was predeceased by his parents and only sibling Mary Jo (Perry) Dumuhosky. He is survived by his Niece Lisa (Carl Gieseler) Dumuhosky, Nephew Matthew (Laura) Dumuhosky, and great-nieces Kelli, Estelle, and Lenore Dumuhosky.
He was a fierce friend and "brother" to many people throughout the years, especially John Klein, Daniel Russo, Daniel Ferrando, Jerry Casper, Jim Mulcahy, TJ Mulcahy, Michael C Torcello, Michael L Torcello, Ralph Torcello, Michael Lazik, late Anthony Strollo, late Gene Manges, Sal Marchese, and late Neil Anderson
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday October 28th from 12:00PM to 4:00PM at 4068 South Main Street Road Batavia NY, 14020 followed by a trip to the races at Batavia Downs, post time is 6PM, bet your favorite in his honor. The first race will be dedicated the Ross M. Perry Memorial Race, All are welcome.
Memorials can be made to the family. To leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.
