Thomas Charles Perley

Thomas (Tom) Charles Perley, 58, entered the world, lived his life and exited in unique ways. He died Thursday, October 2, 2025, of complications from a spinal cord injury suffered after being hit by a car earlier this year. Tom was born seven weeks early in May 1967 to Delene and James Perley in Royal Oak, Michigan. Soon, thereafter, the family moved to Wooster, Ohio where his parents taught college and his beloved brother, Scott, was born. Tom graduated from Wooster High School in 1985. It was clear from an early age that Tom was different. He read advanced books at age 2 ½ but it was evident his social and emotional skills were developing differently. Tom had trouble interpreting facial expressions, understanding nuances in conversations and routines were a must. He wasn’t deemed autistic based on definitions of the time, but something was unique. Finally in 1994, Asperger's Syndrome was identified; and the mystery of Toms differences had a label. Despite his social challenges, Tom was extremely bright: won spelling bees, was terrific at giving directions (the 1970s equivalent of today’s GPS) and played the euphonium in the marching band. Tom enjoyed spending summers at Camp Nuhop in Mohican State Park, a camp for children with disabilities, which his parents helped establish. Tom loved to travel. He often took the bus to nearby cities like Akron and Cleveland and traveled with family to many American states and other countries including Canada, Jamaica, England, Greece, Turkey, Italy, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Spain and Ecuador. He became accustomed to traveling after spending first grade in New Zealand and sixth grade in Vancouver, BC while his father was on sabbatical. Tom received a BA in Communications from Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio in 1990. At Otterbein, Tom had a fan base as a DJ at the college radio station, and enjoyed being in Columbus, where he lived independently for the next 35 years. His jobs included data entry and processing checks at a bank, washing dishes at a nursing home and preparing pallets in a warehouse that supplies vending machines. He took full advantage of his independence - crisscrossing Columbus on public transit, going to malls, which were his favorite, and attending festivals, movies and Broadway shows. On April 16, 2025, while in a crosswalk near his condo, Tom was hit by a turning car. The injuries from the crash resulted in tetraplegia and Tom spent the next 3 ½ months in hospitals, with his mother constantly by his side. Tom made progress with the support of the spinal cord specialists at OSU’s Dodd Rehabilitation, including learning to “drive” for the first time, using an electric wheelchair. Tom took a medical flight with his mother to Portland, Maine in late July to be closer to her. He adapted to a long-term care facility, learned how to use his left hand again and wowed the residents with his trivia knowledge while winning Jeopardy games. Unfortunately, the spinal injury took its toll as it adversely affected his organs. He succumbed to his injuries at Maine Medical Center with his brother, Scott, by his side. Tom is predeceased by his father (2016). He will be remembered and missed by many including his mother and brother, sister-in-law Laurel, niece Nora and nephew Nathan, aunts, uncles and cousins, co-workers, neighbors, fellow Unitarian Universalist church members, and the residents and staff at Fallbrook Commons in Portland. Tom took a book to read wherever he went, loved his collection of stuffed animals and enjoyed drawing clever cartoons. His cheerful outlook, kind manner, wonderful sense of humor and love of music will be fondly remembered. His family and friends continue to celebrate his life. Suggestions for donations in Tom’s memory are Camp Nuhop, 1077 Township Road 2916, Perrysville, OH 44864 (nuhop.org) or Friends of Dodd Rehabilitation Services Fund (fund number 309497), (giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/309497); The Ohio State University Foundation, University Square North, 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201 A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland ME, November 22 at 11 a. m. followed by a potluck lunch.

Thomas Charles Perley

May 4, 1967 - October 2, 2025