Robert “Bob” Perry grew up on the east bank of the Monongahela River in the small industrial borough of Brownsville, PA. How small? The borough reached a peak population of just over 8,000 in 1940. Today, recent census counts have shrunk below 3,000 as a result of the de-industrialization of the greater Pittsburgh area that began in the 1970s. Nonetheless, Bob enjoyed his childhood years growing up the second oldest of four siblings, all sisters.
Upon graduating from Brownsville High School, Bob joined the Marine Corps and embarked upon a dual career path that included both active and reservist military service as well as public education. While attending to his initial military reservist duties, he successfully earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (Mathematics) from California State Teacher’s College of Pennsylvania. Once he received his college degree, Bob spent the next three years on active assignment, including a stint in Okinawa, while continuing his rise through the ranks.
Robert “Bob” Perry grew up on the east bank of the Monongahela River in the small industrial borough of Brownsville, PA. How small? The borough reached a peak population of just over 8,000 in 1940. Today, recent census counts have shrunk below 3,000 as a result of the de-industrialization of the greater Pittsburgh area that began in the 1970s. Nonetheless, Bob enjoyed his childhood years growing up the second oldest of four siblings, all sisters.
Upon graduating from Brownsville High School, Bob joined the Marine Corps and embarked upon a dual career path that included both active and reservist military service as well as public education. While attending to his initial military reservist duties, he successfully earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (Mathematics) from California State Teacher’s College of Pennsylvania. Once he received his college degree, Bob spent the next three years on active assignment, including a stint in Okinawa, while continuing his rise through the ranks.
After completing his active duty, Bob returned home, rejoining the USMC Reserves and continuing his military ascent. At the same time, he began his public education career in earnest, spending ten PATIENT years as a mathematics teacher while also working towards his Master of Education (Secondary Education) from the University of Pittsburgh.
This enabled Bob to become an assistant principal at a local area high school while further continuing his studies which culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (Curriculum and Supervision), also from the University of Pittsburgh. With the gateway now fully open to the highest military and public education levels, Bob seized the opportunity. On the military side, he achieved colonel, the most senior field-grade military officer rank and had a decorated 30+ year USMC career, including reserves. As for public education, after serving as a mathematics teacher, an assistant principal, and a secondary curriculum coordinator over a 15-year span, he spent an additional 17 years serving as a school superintendent for the West Greene, South Side Beaver and Shaler Area school districts.
Despite all the success, Bob had one last coda. After retiring from both his military and public education careers, he was recruited for and ultimately took over the role as executive director of Renewal Inc, an alternative placement service for people convicted of crimes. To this day, Renewal Inc continues to thrive as a renowned Pittsburgh-based community corrections organization focused on rebuilding lives affected by wide- spread opioid and other substance and alcohol use disorders.
Bob’s work ethic and commitment to living within one’s means were rooted in his humble beginnings. His Semper Fi core permeates Pecan’s culture. This is his legacy.
Upon graduating from Brownsville High School, Bob joined the Marine Corps and embarked upon a dual career path that included both active and reservist military service as well as public education. While attending to his initial military reservist duties, he successfully earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (Mathematics) from California State Teacher’s College of Pennsylvania. Once he received his college degree, Bob spent the next three years on active assignment, including a stint in Okinawa, while continuing his rise through the ranks.
