Adam Cristo, friend and business associate: "That little man left a giant footprint in this community. He had this beautiful mind, always thinking outside of the box. He would come up with solutions I never would have thought of. Anything he made during his life, he seemed to feel a need to give back to the community. I don't know what I'm going to do without my little buddy."
Bob Fairchild, president of Ample Industry: "I think of him not only as a boss I have had, but as a person I have confided in. He had a tremendous work ethic and a tremendous love for the community of Middletown. He has dedicated his life to that, and I think it's appropriate from his character and the whole approach to the way he lived that he should be honored for that."
Judy Gilleland, Middletown city manager: "His generous nature is the first thing that comes to mind. He truly was a Middletown cheerleader, a generous man and humble. He worked very hard all of his life and became very successful, but never seemed to let that success affect who he truly was. Our community lost a great friend, but hopefully we will all be able to carry on his spirit."
Anita Scott Jones, city council member: "He was such an inspiration to me. He was honest to goodness one of three people in the whole city who thought running for council was a good thing for me. He has done a lot of good things for this city, and I don't know how long it will be until we fully feel the impact of his loss. He is a light that has been extinguished, but I think he treasured life and he lived it to the fullest."
Richard Isroff, business partner and longtime friend: "He put Middletown ahead of Perry in a lot of ways. So many people will sit back and criticize and tell people how to do things, but he had a rare insight and foresight and the ability to go out and make things happen. He was always thinking about the next project. It's a great loss to Middletown. There will be a real void in the city without Perry Thatcher constantly trying to make the city better."
Jay Moorman, owner of BeauVerre stain glass studio in Middletown: "He was very influential; he has done a ton for this town. Instead of being intimidating, he never talked down to me. He just seemed glad to see me. That meant a lot."
Nancy Nix, Butler County treasurer: "He made my years on council what they were. He was a mentor, a friend to me. He wasn't afraid to address issues that needed addressed. He gave the city his heart and soul."
Ty Thomas, director of TV Middletown: "Since he does so much behind the scenes, I don't think the community knows what a blessing he is. I have nothing but deep respect for Perry."
Compiled by Staff Writers Ryan Gauthier, Rick McCrabb and Jessica Heffner