Michael Lewis Perior, age 64, passed away unexpectedly August 5, 2026. Struck by a motorist while riding his bicycle in Maryville, Tennessee, Mike fought to survive like the soldier he was trained to be and came by innately. Mike’s friends in Maryville, who bridged the gap and sat with him, until my sister and I arrived several days later remain in our hearts. Thank you, Dave and Les. Gratitude, especially, to Gidget Vaugn, whose daily presence at his bedside allowed our brother peace and strength. Gidget will forever be our angel on the ground in Maryville.

Mike was born in Tucson, Arizona where he lived until the age of 11 when our mother moved the family home to New England. After graduating from high school in Plymouth, New Hampshire, Mike joined the Airforce. He was honorably discharged in the late 80’s with a fierce love for his country. My sister Debbie and I remain dedicated to a traditional veteran’s burial, details forthcoming. Mike’s service discharge was followed by a career as a Bricklayer and Mason’s assistant in Venice, Florida where he resided until 2010. Additionally, he was an unwaveringly supportive older brother to two sisters; Debra Egeland of Engelwood, Florida and this writer, Leslie Rutkowski, and husband Mark Rutkowski, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was also a devoted son to Nancy Perior of Venice, Florida who preceded him in death 16 years ago.

Following to the loss of our mother, Mike relocated to Maryville, Tennessee with the masonry and cement boss who employed him in Florida. Mike remained a Maryville resident from that time until his death. Nieces and nephews include; Tyler Dixon, Aidan Egeland, Lindsey Perior, Anna Rutkowski, Frankie Rutkowski, and Lauren Rutkowski, who shoulder the loss of Mike with my sister Debbie and me. Cousins; Mary Ann and Andrew Carman, Elizabeth Kelley, Mim Kelley, and Kathy Barnett share in our grief as well.

Perhaps Mike’s most noteworthy attributes include being the kind of friend who would help anyone, anywhere, anytime. Despite decades of struggle with addiction, Mike recognized the power of worship and prayer. Never without a rosary, he achieved sobriety 4 years ago igniting pride in his many friends and his family. Mike entered this new phase of his life with immense gratitude and zeal for his future. With a glass of champagne on my desk and Mike’s rosary in my lap, I celebrate my good brother, our fallen hero, who has ascended into heaven clean.

During Mike’s struggle to remain earthbound, dozens of friends surfaced to offer support and memories. Special thank you to Richard Gowen of Plymouth, New Hampshire for procuring prayers and videos of high school friends, all of which were shared with Mike in the ICU. Friends in New Hampshire, Florida, and Tennessee attest to Mike’s inquisitive and trusting nature as well as being game for anything. He was well loved by his teammates in wrestling, baseball and football and remained a lifelong sports fan. A golden-hearted force of nature, Mike was as present as any human I have ever known, often wearing his innocence on his sleeve.

From the time of his Arizona birth until his death in Tennessee, Mike was an avid lover of water in many forms. He swam in Arizona pools, New Hampshire lakes and rivers, Florida Gulf waters and the rivers, pools and lakes of Tennessee. It is thought that Mike was on his way for a swim when the accident occurred. We picture our brother now, in salute to the Lord and his country, with a promise to help others, as soon as he has had something to eat and a proper swim.

Mass and Celebration of Life, 11 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026. Luncheon to follow. Our Lady of Fatima Church, 858 Louisville Road, Alcoa, Tennessee 37701.