Alan H. Perer
May 12, 2024
ALAN H. PERER: A warm, exuberant presence who brought laughter and merriment to all who knew him, passed away on May 12, 2024 at the age of 76.
Born in 1948 to Beatrice and Leonard Perer, Alan was a lifelong resident of Squirrel Hill. His hometown was a never-ending source of pride for him.
But wherever Alan roamed, the fun always followed. Upon graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School, Alan attended Washington & Jefferson College. After an extended road trip to Woodstock interrupted his studies (in characteristic Big Al fashion, he got lost and didn't make it to the legendary festival on time), Alan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973. He went on to earn his law degree from Pitt in 1976, where he also met the love of his life and wife of nearly 50 years, Diane.
Alan felt a calling to use his considerable skills as a plaintiffs' lawyer, fighting for the rights of individuals. His passion for helping others in their time of need defined his work at the law firm he founded.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan's true joys were his family and friends. He had an unbridled zest for living life to the fullest, something of a veritable walking nightclub.
A lifelong sports fan and music aficionado, Alan could often be found playing tennis or golf, listening to his carefully curated playlists, strumming his acoustic guitar, or hosting lively gatherings, which earned him the self-proclaimed (and undisputed) title of "Social Chair." A lifelong Marquis, and later, a Harrumpher, he had a gift for bringing people together through his affable sincerity and love of a good time.
Into his 70s, he joyfully threw birthday celebrations for himself, each one becoming more extravagant. Alan's talent for living left an indelible mark not only on every room he entered, but the entire world as a whole.
He is survived by his wife Diane, his two children Langley (husband Scott Rosenberg) and Abby (husband Brendan Dunuwila), four grandchildren Bowie, Sawyer, Dean and Serena, sister Rochelle Shelley Droz (husband Gary Droz), his nieces Lauren and Sara, and countless dear friends who became like family.
Alan's favorite novel was the Larry McMurtry classic, "LONESOME DOVE", a quote from which sums up Alan's life perfectly: "It's been quite a party, ain't it?"
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to The Kiki Fund For Leptomeningeal Research, a charity Alan helped start to raise money and awareness for his daughter, Langley's illness.
Services will be Private. A celebration of Alan's life will be held at the Duquesne Club on May 15 from 4-6 p.m. for friends and family.
Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com
Condolences
Send Condolence
Diane and family, please accept our deepest condolences for your tragic loss
By Helene and Ed Shamsi - May 24, 2024
Warmest condolences from the Nestle family. We were shocked to hear about the sudden passing of healthy and active Alan who always brought so much joy and energy to our Parker Highland community. He was always here for us residents, especially with his very appreciated legal and business knowledge. He was such a warm, caring and wonderful person. We will all miss him dearly at the pool, beach or members meetings and socials. We very much hope you keep visiting Florida with your family. We miss you all and very much think of you in these very sad times for you. All the best wishes Barbara Frank Celina and Pearl.
By Barbara and Frank Nestle - May 24, 2024
Dear Diane and family, Jodi and I were very sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. We are sending our prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family and all who knew Alan. Please know that many of your neighbors are praying for your comfort during this difficult time and we are here for you if you need anything at all.
By Tonya Peer - May 22, 2024
So sorry to hear about Alan. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May he rest in peace
By Andy and Sandra Harris. 4b - May 21, 2024
Mrs. Perer and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. After all the years that we have worked together, I consider you family. You and Mr. Perer have been fundamental to the growth of my business since 1986.
Please know that your entire family, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary, Gravener Heating and staff.
By Gary Gravener - May 20, 2024
Diane: I learned tonight of Alan’s passing. I am overwhelmed right now with both profound sadness and a flood of great memories. My heart goes out to you and your family on your loss. Please know I am thinking of you, and of course I cannot but help think of Alan. My deepest condolences. Jim
By James Lees - May 20, 2024
I was really sad to hear about Alan. I first met Alan at camp Wood Echo where we became friends and he became a life long friend to my brother Bill. He was a part of my brother\'s Friday morning breakfast club, and I was so please to see their friendship continue over the years. He will be missed and my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
By David Forstate - May 17, 2024
My sincere condolences, a shocking and terrible loss. We all mourn as a community, a vibrant life, gone too soon.
By Michelle Browne - May 16, 2024
Diane, even though we\'ve lived in Rochester NY for 30 years I still follow Pittsburgh news, and I was so sorry to learn of Alan\'s death. I still remember hearing about all of your family adventures when your girls were young, and I have great memories of my times with you and Al - he was always so warm and welcoming. Sending hugs to you and your family.
By Ann Still - May 15, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and light to the entire family.
Shelly, Mark and Lauren Haffner
By Shelly Haffner - May 15, 2024
I am devastated . No words can describe the love that I have for Alan .Alan’s loss is so significant. A True Mensch ,a dear brother Marquis, a wise and learned friend, a prince of a man who we will all miss. As a fellow member of the Bar and Judge in San Francisco. Alan was passionate about our profession. He cared deeply for his clients doing justice with passion and compassion.
At Allderdic, we sang together in A Choir with Virginia Lewis as our Choral director. Fellow Marquis, Mark Dinkin and Jeff Sacks, a blessed memory were part of our musical journey of blended voices and harmony second to none in all of the Pittsburgh Public High Schools.
Alan had two blessed and loving parents, Bee and Lenard who loved him dearly.
My heart aches for Diane and their children and grandchildren. I will always remember Alan a.k.a. the goose. I’ remember the many happy moments on the golf course. In fact the last time we played at Edgewood , he reminded me that he beat Louie and me at Pikes run at our last Marquis reunion . It. was a very special moment and and he was so happy. And we were so happy for him. A victory that he savored with a warm glow and a great smile. I also member with sweet remembrance our Thanksgiving celebration at Alan and Lady Di's at their home with my wife, Marcia, my dear Mom, Ann, a blessed memory and her life partner, George Markovitz. It was a special moment for all of us and so grateful that we shared this precious moment together. May Alan be in peace and my dearest sympathy to Diane, Langley, and Abbie
My love to all and to all who mourn our great loss
By Stephen B., Ruben - May 14, 2024
Dear Perer and Droz Family,
Susan and I are deeply saddened to hear of Alan’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
By Jerry and Susan Iwler - May 14, 2024
Diane and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you on Alan’s passing from this life. I served on nonprofit boards with him and he was always the active and committed member who did good and motivated others to follow. He leaves a legacy of outward living —efforts made to better the lives of others. I learned from him as I enjoyed his friendship.
May God keep you in his care as you grieve.
By Melissa Hart - May 14, 2024
No words can express how sad this news is.
By Beth Tarasi - May 14, 2024
Diane
My deepest sympathy. I will miss our morning chats on the Grant Building elevator.
By Sam Cordes - May 14, 2024
Diane & Family, Very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Alan's affability and appreciated his professional achievements. Deepest sympathies, CHUCK
By Charles C Cohen - May 14, 2024
Dear Diane and family. Shocked and saddened to hear the news, May his memory forever be a blessing.
By Goldie Samuels - May 14, 2024
Just thinking of Big Al brings a smile to my face. He was truly one of a kind and will be forever missed, but forever in our hearts.
By Melanie Germany - May 14, 2024
Dear Diane, Langley and Abby: My heart goes out to you all. Alan was bigger than life in every way. In law school, when we were both puppy lawyers, and when he represented one of my grandson's in his awful head injury case, Alan was compassionate, passionate and overflowing with a love of life and his family and friends. I will always have the best memories of Alan. You will be in our prayers.
By GARY P HUNT - May 14, 2024
Diane and the entire Perer Family,
Shocked and saddened beyond words. He just extended sympathy for the loss of my mother in January. How fragile life can be. There is nothing but goodness when we think of Alan and all the love he gave to those he loved and the world around him. He will be remembered by us with fondness, an smile and respect. May his memory forever be a blessing.
By Kerry and Joel Smooke - May 14, 2024
What can I say except that Alan, my great friend, was a true renaissance man. He was an outstanding lawyer, but more than that he had a passion for life and filled our time together with so much laughter. I am from New Orleans, and Al was at his best during the many times that he and his pal Steve Paskoff went with me to Jazz Fest where we went from venue to venue partying to some of the best music. We had such a great time. Of course there was that time the three of us with our wives were asked to leave from one of the restaurants because the other diners did not appreciate the high level of fun we were having. I could go on but end this by writing that there was only one Al. Our time together was so special, and I miss him very much.
By Bob Johnston - May 13, 2024
To the Perer and Droz Families
Alan, Craig and I grew up with your family from our early childhood days, and I was always
jealous of your long legs!! Wherever you may be right now, just continue to “love and live it up”! Just “keep on swinging” as you “score” with us 💚⛳️🏌🏻♂️💗
By Hedy Stein Orodenker - May 13, 2024
We are all shocked by the passing of Alan. He was a very special person and the obit beautifully described who he was.
Many of us are even more saddened (if that\\\'s possible), as we lost one of our founding members of our IKC club group started in 1960 as seventh graders. Alan was an entertainment guru back then and kept us all entertained and laughing through those years.
A few years back Alan took the lead and organized our most recent reunion at a rustic golf and tennis club outside of Pittsburgh, - skeet shooting, boccie ball, golf, pickleball and poker were his ideas for fun and craziness. Pittsburgh reunions always had brunch at he and Diane's Squirrel Hill home.
Our Marquis still stay connected through get togethers and monthly zoom calls orchestrated by Howie Gordon. Not having Goose on the call will be so sad. May your life be a blessing.. Weasel (and Goose did give me my nickname).
By David Valinsky - May 13, 2024
Diane—Peter just informed me of Alan’s passing. I am so sorry for the loss and extend my deepest sympathies to you and the family.
By Dennis Bonessa - May 13, 2024
It was my privilege to know and work with Alan .I’ll remember his case understanding and his ability to advocate on behalf of his client . I will miss him .
By Lenny Eisenfeld - May 13, 2024
Diane, so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Peter Post
By Peter Post - May 13, 2024
Diane and family, I am so very shocked and my heart hurts due to the loss of your wonderful husband/father, grandfather! Alan and I met at Shadyside Hospital when Diane was there and my husband was there. Ever since, we would see each other at Nicky's Restaurant and roaming the Grant Building. Diane, I am so very sorry! I see services are private. Had they not been, I would have definitely been there for you and your family!
Sue
By Susan Spatter - May 13, 2024