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Perry von Gontard, age 70 of Hempstead, passed away on September 6, 2021. He was born November 28, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri to Paul and Mary von Gontard. There were moves to LA, Tampa, Florida, Newark, New Jersey and other areas due to his father's work at Anheuser-Busch.

Perry graduated from Las Salle College, Philadelphia in 1973 with his degree in Business Administration. He also was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. He was given the name of "Bud Man" by his frat brothers for obvious reasons.

On July 2, 1973, Perry entered the AB Production Management trainee program. Upon completion in St. Louis, Perry was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida where he worked for the next nine years. On the evening hurricane Alicia hit Texas, Perry and his wife weren't certain if this transfer to Houston was a good move. They had just signed the paperwork to their new home in Cypress just hours before devastating damage had been done to their new neighborhood. As it turned out, they quickly saw the generosity and kind-heartedness of their Texan allies.

Throughout Perry's career as a manager, he proved to be a valuable employee, but more importantly he was a true friend. He was always there to help anyone at any time. He also prioritized his family by coaching baseball, basketball and softball teams. When he couldn't coach, Perry was in the grandstands. He even accompanied his wife to horse trials throughout the country. The pride he had in his family was so apparent.

In December 2008 Perry retired and pursued his dreams. He left behind many dear friends at AB but never lost touch with them.

He bought land in Hempstead and established his "Vonderosa". He purchased some longhorn cattle (and a few other breeds). He built his ranch and spent the remainder of his days in wide, open spaces doing what he loved – living out his cowboy dreams surrounded by family and friends.

Perry is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul Victor von Gontard, Jr. He is survived by his wife Karen; children Andrew, Benjamin (wife Tiffany), Christopher (wife Laurie), Daniel (wife Suzzettee), Erika, Frances, Gregory; brothers Peter, Perky (wife Patty), Paul, Patrick, Philip (wife Amy), Parker (wife Diane); sister Susie Kester (husband John); grandchildren Alexa, Hunter, Jacquelyn, Alyse, Grant, Garrett, Lilly, Cole, Dawson; special friend Edward "Gonz" Ross; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday September 24, 2021, at 4pm at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. A reception will follow at "the ranch".

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Perry is in the care of Canon Funeral Home.