Lyle E. Perra, LTC, RET

a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, military officer, coach, and community leader, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 87.

Lyle dedicated his life to service—serving his country, his students, and his community with integrity and commitment. He was married to his beloved wife, Giovanina (Janet), for 61 years, a partnership that stood at the center of his life and family.

He spent more than three decades in Cranston Public Schools, serving as a teacher and coach at Cranston High School East, Vice Principal at Park View Junior High School, and later, from 1990 to 1995 he served as Principal of Cranston High School West, where he was known for his leadership and dedication to students and faculty. He later served as Principal of St. John the Baptist School and worked as an Adjunct Instructor at Johnson & Wales University. During his years in education, he worked as Manager of Waldorf Tuxedo Company until his retirement.

Lyle also proudly served 35 years in the United States military, including the Rhode Island National Guard, Active Duty Army, and Rhode Island Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

A passionate supporter of athletics, Lyle played a foundational role in the development of youth and high school sports in Cranston. He was one of the co-founders of Cranston League for Cranston’s Future (CLCF) youth soccer, helping introduce and grow the sport in the community. As a teacher and coach at Cranston High School East, his soccer team captured the 1974 Rhode Island State Championship. Lyle was also a dedicated high school wrestling coach, as well as a wrestling and soccer referee, remaining deeply involved in athletics throughout his life. He later served as Director of Soccer for the Rhode Island Interscholastic League from 1990 to 1995. His contributions to athletics earned him induction into the Rhode Island Soccer Coaches’ Hall of Fame, the New England Soccer Coaches’ Hall of Fame, and the Cranston Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame. A field on Hope Road in Cranston bears his name: The Lyle E. Perra Soccer Field.

Lyle was active in civic life and served with numerous community organizations including the Cranston Association of School Administrators, the Cranston Rotary Club, and the Mayor’s Commission on Substance Abuse.

He is survived by his beloved wife Janet Perra, his son Craig Perra and daughter-in-law Michelle Perra, and his daughter Susan Francesconi and son-in-law East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi (Ret.). He was the proud grandfather of Trey, Reese, Ava, and Giovanna.

His life was defined by service, leadership, and love for family and community.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI. Burial will be held in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S County Trail, Exeter. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lyle's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, Visit Wounded Warrior Project or to Cafe of Life, P.O. Box 367794 Bonita Springs, FL 34136.