Perry Hall Rec. Founder Jerry Soukup Dies


A Perry Hall icon has died. Jerry Soukup, who has dedicated his life to sports and rec in Perry Hall has passed at the age of 91.

Soukup founded the Perry Hall Rec. Council in 1955 and served as its first president until 1988. Soukup – along with his wife Pat, who proceded him in death- raised $1.5 million in funds to pay for half of a sport arena on Joppa Road. The arena was named Soukup Arena after Jerry and Pat.

Councilman David Marks, who is a friend of Soukup, released a statement on his passing.

“I am so sorry to pass along the news of the passing of Gerald Soukup, a towering figure in Perry Hall’s recent history – although one who did so much of his work modestly, behind the scenes. Jerry Soukup helped found the Perry Hall Recreation Council in 1955. For decades, he and his wife Pat raised money from concession stand sales and events for a gymnasium to house the organization’s sports leagues. That gym opened in 2015 and was named in their honor,” Marks said in a statement.

“We have lost so many of the local leaders who guided Perry Hall during the postwar years. Jerry’s service began when Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House and continued to the present. On behalf of all whose lives he touched, we thank him. My prayers are with his family and many friends.”

Joe Butta, who is a volunteer at Perry Hall Rec., said Soukup is responsible for the success of today’s Perry Hall program.

“For everyone that has played ANY sport in the Perry Hall rec area you have this man to thank. Mr. Jerry Soukup passed away today. He founded the rec office here and watched it grow into something special,” Butta said in a social media post.
“I’ve had the honor of working for him and with him for the past seven years and he truly was Mr Perry Hall!”