Dr. Stanley G. Perelman
PERELMAN: Dr. Stanley G. Perelman, beloved father, friend, and a highly regarded psychotherapist who practiced in Pittsburgh, died Jan. 5, 2025, at the age of 81.
Stan was born March 4, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to Morton and Daisy Perelman. He is survived by his son John, John’s wife, Maureen, and their two daughters, Emilie and Lilly; his son Max, Max’s wife, Yumi and their daughters, Kaya and Mei. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Nancy, who passed away in 2023. Following high school in LA, Stan graduated from UCLA with a BA in English. After college, he spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, and then moved to Washington, D.C. where he earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University and taught high school English. It was also while living in D.C. that he met the love of his life, Nancy Kelly. After marrying, Stan and Nancy moved to Pittsburgh where they raised John and Max. Stan earned his doctorate in counselor education from the University of Pittsburgh. He also received a diploma as a Jungian analyst from the inter-regional Jungian Institute. Stan was a highly esteemed psychotherapist, supervisor and teacher, and active member of the Jungian Communities in Pittsburgh and New York City. He was especially well known for his capacity to develop loving and healing relationships with his patients. Although he was raised in Judaism, Stan was a practicing Buddhist. He helped found the Bon Buddhist Temple in Pittsburgh, and he attended meditation retreats with Buddhist sanghas in Pittsburgh and in Charlottesville, Virginia. Stan relished Saturday haircuts and lunches with his eldest son, John, and morning phone conversations with Max as Max rode his bike into work. In addition to spending time with his family, he loved his frequent lunch dates with friends, going to movies, having dinners, shopping and watching Steelers and Pitt football. As his sons married and became fathers themselves, he and Nancy enjoyed their roles as loving grandparents. They were also devoted parents to their two dogs, Katie1, and Katie2, who are no longer with us. Stan is survived by his dog, Maggie, a constant companion. In addition to his many professional accomplishments, his greatest gift was his ability to create deep and enduring relationships. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service open to all will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The service will be held at 4 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Ave, Pgh, Pa. 15217. Zoom will be available for people unable to attend in person. Professional services entrusted to Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com. PJC
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