Lamont Reginald Perry

Lamont Reginald Perry entered this world on March 15, 1948, the second child of the late Ernestine and Daniel Perry. He was the only boy of six siblings. Rosalind, Lamont, and Deborah became a trio and formed a special bond, referred to by the family as "the older three." Rosalind and Deborah spoiled Lamont and became very protective. They were willing to defend their brother without hesitating; his partner was Deborah, leading him into many mischievous activities. At the birth of the three younger siblings-Deirdre, Joy, and Vivian-Lamont became "big brother." He was known to have a good sense of humor, loved a good story, and was a willing participant in pranking others.

Lamont was baptized by Reverend Henry J. Payton at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church (GABC), where he became active in the Boy Scouts. He would later join The Word Church and remained an active member until his illness in 2021.

Lamont attended the Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from Collinwood High School. Lamont was a very talented artist. He won several art competitions for still-life painting and comic book illustrations. Lamont's working career started at the early age of ten at Dave's Grocery Store. He and Deborah would take their wagons and deliver customers' groceries. He was later hired to pack groceries. In high school, he was employed at the Sheraton Hotel. At the Sheraton, Lamont became interested in cooking; after graduation, this led him to attend Culinary Arts College-he was a master baker. He was employed at Phil-Mar Lamp Company until being drafted into the United States Army in 1969.

Lamont returned from service and purchased a moving-truck franchise, North American Van. He and his employees traveled throughout the United States. Lamont sold the business after becoming a father to Antonio (Viola) Lewis Perry. Mr. Stewart, Lamont's former Boy Scout leader, hired him as a bus driver for the Cleveland Transit System (CTS). He transferred from driving a bus to driving rapid transit.

Lamont met Leslie McFarland and was married in 1983. To this union, Kelli Anzell Perry was born. He became the stepfather to Johnnie and Mark. The couple loved cooking and entertaining family with some of the best soul food meals.

Lamont continued his employment at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) until retiring in 2003. After retiring from RTA, Lamont pursued his first love, enrolling and graduating from Ohio Technical College and receiving an associate degree. He used his artistic abilities and specialized in car restoration, designing custom vehicle paint artistry and fabrication. He was awarded first place by General Motors in a classic car restoration competition. He simultaneously owned and operated several commercial garages located at East 123rd and St. Clair.

Lamont showed compassion for the neighborhood. He was known for cooking free meals, lending money, and housing the homeless. A customer could have their car repaired and enjoy a good bowl of pinto beans and cornbread.

Lamont's hobbies included collecting and restoring vintage cars from 1956-1974; he owned over 10 cars. He was most proud of his collection of Cadillacs. He also enjoyed fishing and spending hours on the lake, which often led to fish fries for the community.

In June 2021, Lamont became ill and fought a vigorous battle until receiving his heavenly reward on February 28, 2026. During his illness, he found comfort in listening and talking to other residents at the Middleburg Heights Assisted Living and enjoying the soul food at Fairfax Garden.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Ernestine Perry, and his sister, Deborah Perry Nixon. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Antonio Lewis Perry; Antonio's mother, Viola Lewis; his daughter, Kelli Anzell Perry; Kelli's mother, Leslie Hardening; his stepsons, Johnnie and Mark; his sisters, Rosalind Perry, Deirdre Perry, Joy Perry, and Vivian (Gary) Williams; his brother-in-law, Gary; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; dear friend, Robert Russell Jr.; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.