Thomas “Tom” Charles Perley,

PORTLAND – Thomas “Tom” Charles Perley, 58, entered the world, lived his life and exited in unique ways. He died Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, of complications from a spinal cord injury suffered after being hit by a car earlier this year.

Tom was born seven weeks early in May 1967 to Delene and James Perley in Royal Oak, Mich. Soon, thereafter, the family moved to Wooster, Ohio where his parents taught college and his beloved brother, Scott, was born. Tom graduated from Wooster High School in 1985.

It was clear from an early age that Tom was different. He read advanced books at the age of 2 ½ but it was evident his social and emotional skills were developing differently. He wasn’t deemed autistic based on definitions of the time, but something was unique. Finally in 1994, Asperger’s Syndrome was identified; and Tom’s differences had a label.

Despite his social challenges, Tom was extremely bright: won spelling bees, was terrific at giving directions (the 1970s equivalent of today’s GPS) and played the euphonium in the marching band. Tom spent summers at Camp Nuhop in Mohican State Park, a camp for children with disabilities, which his parents helped establish. Tom also loved to travel, going to many states and visiting countries in four continents.

Tom received a BA in Communications from Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio in 1990. At Otterbein, Tom had a fan base as a college radio station DJ, and enjoyed being in Columbus, Ohio, where he lived independently for the next 35 years. His jobs included data entry at a bank, nursing home support and vending machine pallet preparation. He took full advantage of his independence – crisscrossing Columbus on public transit, going to malls, which were his favorite, and attending festivals, movies and Broadway shows.

On April 16, 2025, while in a crosswalk near his condo, Tom was hit by a turning car. The injuries from the crash resulted in tetraplegia and Tom spent the next 3 ½ months in hospitals, with his mother constantly by his side. Tom made progress with the support of the spinal cord specialists at OSU’s Dodd Rehabilitation, including learning to “drive” for the first time, using an electric wheelchair.

In late July, Tom moved to Portland, Maine to a long-term care facility, learned how to use his left hand again and wowed the residents with his trivia knowledge. Unfortunately, the spinal injury took its toll as it adversely affected his organs. He succumbed to his injuries at Maine Medical with his brother, Scott, by his side.

Tom was predeceased by his father (2016). He will be remembered and missed by many including his mother and brother, sister-in-law Laurel; niece, Nora and nephew, Nathan; aunts, uncles and cousins; co-workers, neighbors, fellow Unitarian Universalist church members, and the residents and staff at Fallbrook Commons in Portland.

Tom took a book to read wherever he went, loved his collection of stuffed animals and enjoyed drawing clever cartoons. His cheerful outlook, kind manner, wonderful sense of humor and love of music will be fondly remembered. His family and friends continue to celebrate his life.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland, Nov. 22 at 11 a. m. An expanded version of this obituary can be found at Maine Cremation Care.

Suggested donations in his memory may be sent to:
Camp Nuhop

1077 Township Rd 2916

Perrysville, OH 44864 or:

Friends of Dodd Rehab Services Fund 309497

University Square North

14 E. 15th Ave.

Columbus, OH 43201