Matthew P. Perriens

Matthew P. Perriens, age 89, passed away at his home in Rockville, MD on 17 May 2014.

Born in the Netherlands, he survived four years of Nazi occupation and, upon liberation in 1944, joined U.S. forces to serve in counterintelligence during the remainder of WW II and the occupation of Germany. He came to the United States in early 1948 seeking, as so many immigrants do, the opportunity for education and a secure future; immediately drafted, he then served in the U.S. Army.

He is a graduate of George Washington University in philosophy and, sponsored by his employer, IBM, did graduate work in languages and linguistics at Georgetown University. In 1969 IBM sent him and his family to Munich, Germany, for 3 years. He retired in 1987 and devoted the rest of his active life to his love of the outdoors, drawing and watercolor painting, and the study of a wide range of technical subjects.

His thirst for knowledge and love of family remained hallmarks of his being. Matt is survived by his loving wife, Joanne, his daughters Carol Perriens, Laura Perriens Pardue (Kevin), his son Jeffrey S. Perriens, seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. His beloved brother and sister, J.A. Perriens and Sofie Perriens, as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives survive in the Netherlands.