Gary L. Perkowski, 77, of Loretta Lane, Carlsbad, NM, passed away October 1, 2024 at his home. Cremation has taken place and per Gary’s request, there will be no services.
Gary was born February 2, 1947 in Carlsbad, NM to Jack and Myralon (Sadler) Perkowski. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965. Gary received a bachelors degree from UNM in 1970 and earned a masters from the University of Phoenix. He began his 40-year career in education with St. Frances Parochial School and later Los Lunas High School where he taught and coached baseball. Gary married Dorothy Frances Gonzales June 3, 1974. They moved to Carlsbad in 1976 where Gary began teaching at Eisenhower Middle School and later Alta Vista Middle School where he taught and served as assistant principal.
After serving as a community leader and mayor of Carlsbad, he returned in 2011 to Carlsbad Municipal Schools as superintendent and retired in 2017. Gary served on city council eight years and mayor from 1994-2002.
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant began accepting waste in 1999 during his leadership as mayor. Gary helped form and served as president of the Energy Communities Alliance which carries considerable clout in the nuclear arena. He was also active in the NM Municipal League which joins leaders of cities, towns, and villages throughout the state and was a past president of the league. The Carlsbad MainStreet project was reinstated with the support of Mayor Perkowski. He has been praised for his unwaving civil involvement and his vision for Carlsbad. Gary participated in Leadership New Mexico and served on countless national, state, and local boards. According to Dave and Jayann Sepich, Katie’s Law passed the NM Legislature in a short session and on the first try because of Gary’s mentorship and support. He was a devoted husband, wonderful brother and good friend to many. Gary and Dorothy were members of the Wanna-go’s Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association where he was past president. They loved their many trips with their RV friends. Gary was an avid golfer and enjoyed his relationships at the Riverside Country Club. He will be missed by his family and the multitude of friends he has made over the years. Gary was preceded in death by his parents: Jack and Myralon Perkowski, and wife, Dorothy Perkowski. He is survived by his sister, Dr. Lisa Perkowski and her life partner, Jo Givens; nieces and nephews, Lana “Mayme” Fick-Perkowski, Ann Gonzales, David Gonzales and Frankie Gonzales.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Carlsbad Community Foundation, Jack and Myralon Perkowski Memorial Fund.
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