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Raul Perdomo Obituary
Obituary originally published on Legacy.com by Curlew Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Jan. 20, 2024.
Raul Beltran Perdomo, a man who could light up a room with a hearty "Go Blue!" and a grin as wide as the end zone, finished his last quarter on January 18, 2024 due to metastasized cancer.
His father, Dr. Raul Eduardo Perdomo Hurtado, and his mother, Mary Ellen Foley, married and conceived Raul in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born on September 28, 1944, in the South American city of Caracas, Venezuela. Raul's journey took him from the tropical rhythms of his birthplace to the Great Lakes State of Michigan and finally to the sun-kissed shores of Clearwater, Florida, where he concluded his vibrant life story.
Raul's tale is one of adventure, service, and unwavering love. At the young age of 16, he bid farewell to Venezuela and moved with his family to Dearborn, Michigan. After graduating from Dearborn High, he became a naturalized citizen at age 18 and donned the Navy uniform to serve during the Vietnam War. This set the stage for a life of community involvement and spirited entrepreneurship.
After his military service, Raul's thirst for knowledge and culture led him to the University of Michigan, where he studied anthropology, and later to Eastern Michigan University for a business education. He wasn't just hitting the books; he was also hitting it off with everyone he met, quickly becoming a beloved figure around Ann Arbor. Raul's passion for the Maize and Blue never waned, and his 40-year association with the University of Michigan Athletic Department was capped with the establishment of the Raul B. Perdomo Customer Service Award. If he didn't know you through his U-M connections, then he probably crossed a base path with you during his life-long run with Ann Arbor Community Rec & Ed, where he started as a ballplayer, and ended up as umpire-in-chief and site manager for youth and adult team sports. He was the guy who knew everyone's name, and if he didn't, well, he'd still treat you like an old pal.
When it came to entrepreneurship, Raul was as sharp as they come. He poured his heart into the Central Cafe and the Beer Depot in Ann Arbor, creating more than just establishments – he crafted a community hub where laughter flowed as freely as the coffee and beer. And let's not forget his two-decade stint in residential and commercial real estate, where he strove to find that perfect home or business for his clients, all while wearing his favorite U-M cap.
Raul's love for sports was only eclipsed by his love for his family. He was the captain of team Perdomo, leading with love, kindness, and wit. His wife of 39 years, Maureen, was his MVP, and together they raised a trio of all-stars: Raul Tomas (Laura), Edward Joseph, and Teresa Marie Manganiello (Nick), each scoring their own life touchdowns. And if you think Raul was a proud dad, just look at his loving gaze in pictures of him with his grandsons, Ronan, Ethan, and Lucas. His sisters, Mary Claire Dykema (Scott) and Michelle Daboin (Victor), and his late brother, Richard, all would attest that their big brother Raul was larger than life and always looked out for them. He cared deeply for all seven of his nieces and nephews, and their children.
His leadership skills shone brightly as the former president of the M Club of Ann Arbor and the past president of the U-M Club of Tampa Bay. His commitment to medicine and ethical research was evident in his 20-year tenure on the Institutional Review Board at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital and his role as a patient advocate at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center.
Raul's interests were diverse. He could be found debating the finer points of a football play one minute and discussing the impact of national politics the next. His warmth and positivity were infectious, and his work ethic was an inspiration to all who knew him.
To say Raul was loving, kind, and funny is an understatement. He was a one-man pep rally, a beacon of good cheer, and the guy who could find the humor in any situation – including squamous cell carcinoma, which he joked was as hard to pronounce as it was to treat.
Raul's life was a masterclass in making every day count, in spreading joy, and in cherishing the people around you. He may have left the stadium, but his spirit, his laughter, and his indomitable love for his family and the University of Michigan will echo in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him. So here's to Raul B. Perdomo – husband, father, grandfather, brother, co-worker, friend, and the best darn Wolverine fan to ever shout "Go Blue!"
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 25, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. (remarks at 2:00 p.m.) at the American Legion Post #322 at 320 W Michigan Ave. in Saline, MI 48176. Feel free to wear Raul's favorite colors "Maize & Blue!"
Instead of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Raul. B. Perdomo Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan at
https://www.gofundme.com/donate-to-the-raul-b-perdomo-scholarship-fund GoFundMe
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
