Paul Thomas Pera, 69 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 27, 2026. He was born March 11, 1957, in Buffalo, NY to the late Leonard and Lena (LoVullo) Pera. Paul graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1975. He went on to a career with the Valparaiso Parks Department for over 40 years and spent most of those years as the Golf Course Superintendent. Paul also served as the Assistant Coach for the Boys Golf Team at Valparaiso High School for the past 23 years. Paul was passionate about his job and a dedicated coach to his players. Many alumni kept in touch with Paul over the years and had great friendships that remained. When he wasn’t working, you could find Paul on the golf course. He loved to travel around the world for golf trips and even earned a hole-in-one in Ireland. Paul led a remarkable life and made a lasting impact on the community of Valparaiso. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle, who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
Paul is survived by his siblings: Len (Cathy) Pera of Valparaiso, Jeff (Mike Bonner) Pera of Portland, OR, and Leanne (Tony) DeFelice of Howe, IN; nephews: Joel (Jamie) Pera, and Dalton DeFelice; great-nephew, Hunter Pera; Hunter’s mother, Melissa Melton; and many close friends, including Don Perkins and Wayne Lichtenberger.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT, in the Butterfield Pavilion at Fairgrounds Park, 645 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN. A time of remembrance will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT, with fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, donation checks may be made to Valparaiso High School Athletic Department, memo line: Boys Golf Team; and mailed to 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385.
GUESTBOOK
Condolences from across the street. Paul was an awesome neighbor! He was always in a good mood, and down for a chat about anything. He was proud to talk about how good his golf team was doing, or upcoming vacations, and to hear about what’s going on in my life. When we moved in and brought home my newborn daughter, before I really talked to Paul as much, he went out of his way to bring over a cake for us. He will be deeply missed, -Dawson Walsh
Rest In Peace Paul! Keep hitting them straight! -Ed Solomon
Prayers for the family & friends, Paul was so loved & will be forever missed & remembered, -Deanna Perkins Barber
Condolences for my neighbor of 34 years. Paul was nearly always upbeat and finding the good in all situations. Whether it was golf, travel, health , or the yard....he was always up for a chat. Paul is and will be missed. -Stewart Cherry
