Birth date: Feb 18, 1959 Death date: Mar 1, 2021
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to the Dr. Dennis R. DePerro Memorial Scholarship at St. Bonaventure University at www.sbu.edu/drdeperro. Dr. Dennis R. DePerro, 21st president of St. Bonaventure Uni Read Obituary
Dr. DePerro was an inspiration and an amazing individual. He was a great leader and educator. My condolences to the DePerro family for their loss.
Rest in peace, Dr. DePerro. You will be missed.
Judy and I send our deepest sympathy to Sherry and Dennis's sons and to the entire St. Bonaventure community.
Dennis was an exemplary person; it was an honor to know him. I first met Dennis sometime in the mid-90s at an admissions gathering organized by Dave Flynn at Barrows House in Dorset, VT. Dennis's engaging and genuine personality lit up the gathering! As someone who also labored in the admissions vineyards, I can tell you Dennis was a "real admissions guy"!
When Dennis assumed the presidency of St. Bonaventure, it was a certainty that great things were going to follow in the Franciscan spirit. And they did!!
A real loss to not only St. Bonaventure, but to the entire higher education world.
Rest in Peace!
Again, with deepest sympathy,
Andy and Judy Roth
Sherry and sons, words can not express the sadness we share with you at this time. Our continued thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you in the coming days. Dennis was bigger than life and left a lasting impact on those he met. Having worked with Dennis for 12 years, at Le Moyne, there are too many memories to recall just one. But he made all of better people for knowing him. Tom and Mary O'Neil
I offer my most sincere condolences to all of the family at Dennis' passing. All of you will be in my prayers. God Bless you all.
-Kevin Conroy
Just saying the name Dennis DePerro brings his smiles and laughter to mind. The charismatic Dennis, along with his delightful wife, Sherry, knew how to invite, include, and charm; those of us who received this warmth of human kindness will never forget either of them. No matter how busy their lives became, they never forgot their friends in Marietta. May God comfort the DePerro family.
Jim and Mabry O'Donnell
Marietta, Ohio
Although I did not know Dr. Dennis DePerro very long he sure made me feel like I did. I first met Dr. DePerro at a scholarship awards diner for my son who was accepted into the University. He sold us on the University that night. His love for St. Bonaventure seemed honest and true and his passion also shined with many of his colleagues. Over the past two years when I would sometimes come up to visit my son I would often see Dr. DePerro in the dining hall. Always greeted me with the warmest hello as if I had known him for years. It was always nice to see him interacting with students and staff. It was easy to see he loved people and making people feel welcome seemed to be his true calling. He is a true roll model and will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathies for the entire family. Jane Obie
I met Dennis twice in Boston after he became the president of SBU. I was very much impressed by his faith, his devotion to higher education and his love of St Bonaventure University. In 2020, I was honored to be invited by Dennis to join SBU’s Board of Trustees. I saw firsthand his natural ability to lead the university during the challenging time. Words can not express our sense of loss. Our deepest condolences to Sherry, Andrew and Matthew and the rest of DePerro family. What an amazing man he was!
Sherry, Andrew and Matt— I knew my life had come full circle when it was announced Dennis would be president of our beloved St. Bonaventure. You see Dennis and I were friends in high school— he was a Timon boy and I’m a Mercy girl. He made everything fun, especially the musicals. His musical ability and his fun personality were a always in the forefront. I also wanted to go to Bonas, as my four siblings did but finances didn’t permit it. Many years later we’re Bonas parents steeped in that wonderful place as our third Bona son is wrapping things up. I couldn’t wait to see Dennis parents weekend as we picked up where we left off 45 years ago and my husband instantly connected with him. Everything is better when Dennis is involved. A pivotal moment for us was when Dennis stood up for our church amidst the abuse crisis. Our oldest son, Charlie, an investigative reporter, uncovered the abuse and Dennis walked through the valley of evil with him, supporting him all the way. Simultaneously another son, Mike ,is in formation with the friars. Dennis’ support meant everything to us.
We are blessed to have had Dennis in our lives and our family will be forever grateful for him. Please know every conversation included a story about you and how proud he was of all of you. Thank you for sharing him— you will remain in the prayers and on the hearts of the Specht family.
