Thomas Perry passed away suddenly on September 15, 2025 in Los Angeles. He was born on August 7, 1947 in Tonawanda, New York to Richard and Elizabeth Perry. He attended Tonawanda High School (1964), received a B.A. in English at Cornell University (1969), and earned a Ph.D. in English Literature at University of Rochester (1974). He served in the Air National Guard as a weapons mechanic, and before beginning his literary career, he worked as a laborer, park maintenance worker, commercial fisherman, and as a university administrator and instructor. He was a television writer and producer and teamed with his wife, Jo Perry, on “Simon & Simon,” “Snoops,”” The Oldest Rookie,” Sidekicks,” and other projects.
Thomas Perry began writing fiction in eighth grade and became the bestselling author of thirty-two novels (The thirty-second, The Tree of Light and Flowers will be published by Mysterious Press in March, 2026), including the critically-acclaimed Jane Whitefield series, The Butcher's Boy, winner of the Mystery Writers’ of America’s 1983 Edgar Allen Poe and was included in Parade’s list 2021 list of 101 Best Mystery Books of All Time. NPR listeners included Metzger's Dog on their 100 Best Killer Thrillers of All Time list. He received many honors, including the Barry Award, the Anthony Award, the Tucson Festival of Books’ Founder’s Award. His book, The Old Man, inspired the television series starring Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, and Amy Brenneman.
Booklist described him as " the ultimate thinking person's writer." Publishers Weekly called him “a dominating force in the world of contemporary suspense thrillers." Robert Parker described him, “quite simply, brilliant,” and Stephen King pronounced him to be among, ‘a dozen suspense writers…who can be depended upon to deliver high voltage shocks, vivid, sympathetic characters, and compelling narratives each time they publish.’ Lawrence Block said, "No one makes killing bad guys more fun, no one is smarter at blending research and invention, and no one offers a higher body count of ingenious hits…”
Despite the intricacy and knife-sharp tension in his novels, the humanity of his villains and heroes is fully realized. His colleagues, friends and family will always be grateful for his wit, modesty, benevolence, and generosity. He lived his life nobly and was a keen and original observer of the world.
In his book, A String of Beads, he wrote that “Some people are born where they belong, and some have to find their way there.” Thomas Perry was born to write.
Donations in Thomas Perry's honor can be made to the
American Indian College fund:
https://engage.collegefund.org/page/77467/donate/1
Proudly powered by Weebly