The St. Tammany Parish President's Commission on Cultural Affairs named Slidell area theater star Ray Perer as its "Performing Artist of the Year." In this short video, Commission vice chairman Stephen Cefalu described Perer's career, both professional and in Little Theater, in Slidell and Covington as well. Plus there's an interview with the man himself about his life and times.
To view a video of the presentation, click on the
Play Triangle below
Play Triangle below
Video by Channel 10, Access St. Tammany
His obituary was published in the Times Picayune on December 1, 2010
Raymond Perer Obituary
Raymond Douglas Perer of Mandeville, La. left this world on Sunday afternoon, November 28, 2010 at Canon Hospice in Jefferson, LA at the age of 89 years young. Ray was born in New York City to Emilio and Mable Perer, the youngest of four brothers and one sister.
After graduating high school he enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he was a Crew Chief in charge of testing and repairing airplanes during WWII. He also performed in USO shows where he met Mary and in 1941 they were married. When Ray returned stateside he danced on and off Broadway for several years.
He worked for 27 years at Prudential Life Insurance and retired as a district manager. Ray was an entertainer, loved the stage, dancing, acting and Master of Ceremonies. Ray touched many lives with his on stage presence and had many 'cast' families. He actively volunteered himself to several theaters, Playmakers, Slidell Little Theater, New Orleans Recreation Theater and Sky Fire Theater.
Ray would teach tap, direct, act, whatever was needed of him and he gave willingly. Ray is past President of Playmakers in Covington and received the St. Tammany Parish Presidents award for Performing Artist of the Year for 2008. He also volunteered at Southeast La. State Hospital.
Ray's love for his family and friends was boundless. "To know him is to love him."
Serenity Funeral Home of Covington was in charge of the arrangements.
