Donald Paul Perrin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Don Perrin, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away on August 27, 2024 at the age of 90. Born on May 14, 1934 in Redwood City, California, Don lived a life full of service, dedication, and love.

Don proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Navy for three years, enrolling in the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School after earning a college degree at Oregon State University in Civil Engineering and a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. There he formed and developed a deep sense of duty, patriotism and friendship. After his military service, Don pursued his passion for engineering as a bridge designer for Caltrans (California Department of Transportation), and then later as a water resource control engineer with the California Department of Water Resources Control Board. He had a long and fulfilling career as a talented professional engineer, designing and contributing to numerous infrastructure projects that have left a lasting impact on the community.

After retirement, Don never stood still and was an avid volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, treasurer for the Knights of Columbus, and was also an Enrolled Agent serving as a senior tax advisor with H&R Block. He also volunteered at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and bringing the Eucharistic host to homebound parishioners. He never stopped working, even when he was supposed to be retired.

Don was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Anne, his partner of 62 years, and a cherished father to his three children, Paul, Sean and Patricia. His greatest joy was his family and friends, and he was known for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support. He was a man of integrity, and his gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.

In addition to his wife and children, Don is survived by his sister Jeanne McQuillen, two daughter in-laws, Mary and Jacqueline, and three grandchildren, Vanessa, Julianne and Samantha, who all brought immense joy to his life. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his legacy lives on through his family and the lasting impact of his work.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church on 3131 Governor Drive, San Diego on Friday, September 20, at 10:30am where family and friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life and honor his memory. There will be a reception immediately following the Mass service in the Parish Hall. Following the reception, Don’s final resting place will be at Miramar National Cemetery on 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, at 1:15pm sharp.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either the Knights of Columbus or San Diego Meals on Wheels.