Charles “Chip” Perham, 73
Dan McClelland
Charles “Chip” Perham, age 73, of Tupper Lake, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. There was a Celebration of Life held on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 3p.m. to 6p.m. at the Tupper Lake VFW Post 3120.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Perham; his three children, John Kucipak and his wife Anne, of Freeman, ME; Melissa Perham and her companion Typhanie Cruzan, of San Antonio, TX, Danielle Sitz and her husband Matthew, of Columbus, OH; three grandchildren, Christopher Kucipak, Madelynn Sitz, and Colton Sitz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his brother, Clifford Perham and his sister, Charlotte Conyne.
Chip was born on March 7, 1950, in Gloversville, N.Y., the son of the late Sanford and Cecilia (Naish) Perham.
In 1968, he graduated from Mayfield High School and went on to attend SUNY Morrisville. He received an Associate’s Degree and went on to Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Forestry.
After university, Chip took a job as a caretaker for the Reed/Strange Family Park, where he worked for over 10 years. In 1984, he began his career at the Tupper Lake Central School District as a bus driver and cleaner, eventually working his way to the Head of Transportation for the school district, retiring in 2012.
Chip joined the Tupper Lake Fire Department in 1993 and served in various officer roles over the years as well. He was president of the Tupper Lake Rod & Gun Club and was involved in the Federation of Rod and Gun Clubs. He was very proud to be a Tupper Lake Woodsmen for over 30 years, assisting with the Grease Pole and was known as “The Wave” at the Woodsmen.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and he loved to camp, since 1985 he would take his family all over the Adirondacks. Chip also loved spending time with his friends and family, which meant everything to him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Tupper Lake Fire Department, 21 Santa Clara Ave, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.
Condolences can be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.