YARMOUTH — Richard Scott Perla, 54, of Yarmouth, died unexpectedly in his home on Oct. 3.

He was born on April 19, 1959, to Terise Capretta Perla in Cleveland, Ohio. Perla was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio, and later attended classes at Kent State University. Perla left his studies to begin a career as a commercial fisherman and fish broker. Further adventures ensued when he married Jean Bickford, and became a loving stepfather to her two young children, Corey and Jamie Tatarczuk. His training was put to use when his daughter, Emily, was born. As the family event planner, Perla took his family on many vacations in search of knowledge and treasure, but mostly fun.

Passionate about science, particularly biology, Perla completed his bachelor’s at the University of Southern Maine and pursued a career in the field of biotechnology. When he wasn’t working, Perla loved spending time with his dogs, his family and his friends. Whether he was giving a “lecture” on the implausibility of the latest science fiction film, throwing darts with his friends or flipping burgers for the Yarmouth High School football boosters as the Friday Night Lights Grill Master, Perla was always quick with an infectious laugh, a warm embrace and his signature dance, “The Skitty.” 

A wonderful father, stepfather, brother and friend, Perla will be missed by his loved ones, both two and four-legged. He will be best remembered by his devotion to his children Emily, Corey and Jamie, and to his “sons”, Henry and Jack, a bloodhound and plott hound. He will also be missed by the Amorosos, Snyders, Landrys, Perriers, Waxmans, Pingitores and many other Yarmouth families.

He was predeceased by his mother Terise Capretta Perla and his two loyal dogs, Jack and Henry.

He is survived by daughters, Emily Perla, of South Portland, Corey Tatarczuk, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jamie Tatarczuk, of Castlemaine, Australia; grandchildren Theo and Greta Watson-Bonnice; brother Randy Perla, of Westlake, Ohio; sisters Cindy Pilling, of Healdsburg, Calif., Michele Bartko, of Akron, Ohio and Diane Vandiver, of San Diego, Calif.; uncle Mario Capretta Lyndhurst, Ohio; and ex-wife Jean Perla, of Scarborough.

No visiting hours were scheduled. A memorial service was held Oct. 7, at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, with Pastor Jon Twitchell officiating.

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