05/18/2026
It is with profound sadness that I inform you all of the passing of a living legend and our dear friend and mentor, Trent Perri. He was the owner and chief Instructor of American Olympic Karate of Yonkers for 43 years and continued as Chief Instructor Emeritus until April of this year, having taught the Art of Tracy Kenpo for over 50 Years!
Last month Trent was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. He went to the ER Sunday morning with labored breathing, was intubated and passed away shortly after 2pm Sunday afternoon. He was a very humble man possessed of a quiet dignity that spoke volumes without saying a word. He loved Karate and lived to teach. I only hope he realized what he truly meant to each and everyone of us because we are all deeply in his debt. He had too much dignity and self respect to be put through the indignity of a slow, painful death from cancer. God understood and took his warrior quickly and mercifully. Since he went into semi-retirement, Trent came down to teach every Wednesday. We always had a great lunch and talked about, you guessed it, Karate. I spoke to him on the phone to check in on him and he was still the same old Trent on the phone. I am very greatful, that my last visual memory of him, was of him doing what he loved. Teaching, one last time. RIP my dearest friend, mentor & brother.
Wake: Tuesday 5/19/26 4pm - 8pm
George M Holt Funeral Home
50 New Main Street Haverstraw, NY 10927
Funeral Mass: Wednesday 5/20/26 11am
Saint Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church
25 Cinder Rd
Garnerville, NY 10923
