Anthony "Tony" Perri, 53, passed away on February 16, 2020 , in San Francisco, California accompanied by close friends. Anthony was born on August 24, 1966, in Niagara Falls, NY, to Ronald A. Perri and Nan (Tracy) Perri, joined by his twin brother Ralph Perri. Tony loved a good book, a good glass of wine, good company, and good conversation. Tony was a light in the lives of many and for many, a light has dimmed. His brilliance, wit, charm, and benevolence illuminated every room and person he encountered, and the impression he made is unforgettable. His light will never fade.

He was a natural-born intellectual whose curiosities fueled his passions and journey through life. If you knew Tony when he was young, you may have watched him get lost in a fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkein or Richard Adams. He was a voracious reader and evangelist of the arts - taking his skills center stage to a few plays at his alma mater Niagara Falls High School. Tony received his B.S. from the University of Buffalo, where he cultivated his love of chemistry and biology and sought to achieve his doctorate in sciences. His next move was to New York City to continue his studies. He quickly became an adjunct professor at the City University of New York in Sciences and worked at the Graduate Center at CUNY. Throughout his nearly 30 year career as an educator, Tony published and co-authored several academic papers and mentored many students across NYC, Chicago, and San Francisco. He enjoyed mentoring pre-med students as they pursued their doctorates and shepherded many to reach those heights. Education was the bedrock of Anthony's life and he encouraged everyone to follow their curiosities despite public opinion.

Most importantly, Tony was a fervent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights as an openly proud gay man. He was a life-long fighter against the AIDS crisis in the 80s and as one of the leading members of ACT UP Buffalo and ACT UP WNY where he met abiding allies and friends. His energy, his humor, and his endless passion were beloved by his LGBTQ+ community. It is said the group would not have lasted and thrived for so long without his selfless generosity and commitment. By profession and by temperament he was a scientist every bit as much as an activist, and he possessed a level of devotion to both that was awe-inspiring.

Anthony is survived by his siblings, Tracy (Philip) Mevs, Ronald V. Perri, Mike J. Perri, and Ralph (Rachel) Perri, his uncle Ralph Tony Perri, his aunt Barbara Cacciatore and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His father Ronald A. Perri and sister Emily Pascucci passed earlier this year from COVID-19.