8/20/2025
Bradford “Brad” L. Perry, 61, of Elizabethtown, formerly of Leola, passed away August 20, 2025. He was born in Lancaster and was adopted by the late LeRoy C and Nancy L (Lefever) Perry of Leola in 1964. He passed away at Emerald Rehab and Nursing while under the care of Grane Hospice. He was also predeceased by Grandparents, Jacob & Stella Lefever of Smoketown.
Brad is survived by his sister, Linda Perry-Horst (Michael Horst), Leola, and his nephew, Beau Horst of Leola. Brad was always a social butterfly and is survived by many, many long-time friends—Mike & Jeanie Gallaghee, Joel Mumma, Jim, Andy… the list of names is long and more than I can remember but know that Brad cherished you all. Brad was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster until his health prohibited his attending. Brad received much love and friendship from fellow members.
Brad previously worked for “EARS” Ephrata Area Rehabiliation Services for many years. Brad also worked for Yoders Market in New Holland for many years bringing in carts. Being a social butterfly, Brad loved this job and talking to the many customers.
Brad always loved anything with wheels—plains, trains, and automobiles! In his youth, many hours were spent taking walks with our grandfather to watch the airplanes at the Smoketown Airport. Growing up in Leola, the flight path to the Lancaster Airport crossed right over our home which provided countless hours of enjoyment for Brad. Annual summer vacations with our family also provided lots of sights and thrills as we traveled by car all across the U.S. There were different airports to see and of course, different restaurants to try! Brad was never one to turn down a good meal or snack!
With life’s twists and changes and the passing of our parents, Brad moved to Hershey Mills Home in Mountville. As his health issues caught up to him, Brad then moved to Emerald Rehab and Nursing in Elizabethtown.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Brad’s life, I hope you will drink a cup of your favorite coffee or have your favorite carb-loaded meal, or simply sit outside and watch the traffic and airplanes.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Furman Funeral Homes in Leola. Services will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 11 am from the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster. The viewing will be from 10 to 11 am at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at Bird-in-Hand United Methodist Church following services. You are welcome to attend either or both.
We are immensely grateful to Grane Hospice and their gentle care overseeing Brad in his final months. We are also thankful for the compassionate care Brad received during his extended stay at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center earlier this year. Every Doctor and Nurse we met was filled with care and respect.