Oak Park, IL- It is with heavy hearts the Fenwick Community announces the death of legendary water polo coach Dave Perry.  After a valiant and brave fight with cancer, Perry passed away on Sunday morning, September 11, 2011. 

Perry is the most successful water polo coach in the state history amassing a total of 17 state championships, including eight consecutive IHSA sanctioned state titles.   The team won 51 straight games between the 2006 and 2007 seasons and went undefeated (36-0) last season to earn their eighth state title. In a wheelchair for the championship game, Perry coached the team to victory with his son, Kyle.  At the all-school pep rally recognizing the state championship, the players touted Perry as their inspirational presence throughout the state tournament saying quote, “this one was special and we all wanted to win it for Coach Perry.”   

Perry owns an astounding 757-143-2 career record in 31 years at Fenwick and Mount Carmel and a 675-70-1 record in his 23 years at Fenwick.   He is a member of the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame, Illinois Swimming Association Hall of Fame, Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame and has been named Coach of the Year countless times. 

“Coach Perry leaves a tremendous legacy at Fenwick as a dedicated and compassionate teacher, coach and friend,” says Fenwick President, Fr. DePorres Durham.  “Although he has amassed incredible records and accolades throughout his water polo career, his generous heart and courageous spirit are to be most celebrated and remembered.  In this time of great loss, we held a Mass for our community this morning to provide an opportunity for prayer and comfort, particularly for the Perry family – his wife Marianne and children and Fenwick faculty members, Kyle and Liz,  as well as the countless individuals who were better for having known Coach Perry.”

Visitation will be Friday, September 16  at Fenwick High School from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 17 at St. Vincent Ferrer (1530 Jackson Avenue, River Forest) at 10:00am.