About Joe
December 3, 2022
by Vickie Perry
Joseph Walter Perry (“Joe”), the beloved husband of Vickie and father of Christopher and Jackie, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2022.
Joe was born on October 31, 1955 to Joseph O. and Dolores M. Perry in Detroit, MI. Since age 5 he grew up in Miami, FL, the oldest of 6 siblings and graduated from Norland H.S.
Joe attended the University of South Florida where he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1977. He then pursued his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology under the guidance of the Nobel Laureate Ahmed Hassan Zewail. In 1984, Joe went on to conduct research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in molecular spectroscopy.
Upon completing his education in 1985, Joe became a senior research scientist for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at NASA, where he led a research group in organic optoelectronics. Joe also participated in the NASA Tiger Team where he identified and mitigated a morphology and stability issue on the Wide Field Planetary Camera II that was formerly installed on the Hubble Space Telescope. Joe was recognized for his achievements with a Director’s Research Achievement Award in 1989 from JPL and the Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement in 1992 from NASA.
Joe’s scientific prowess and passion for being a mentor led him to become a professor at the University of Arizona in He continued his career at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2003 where he stayed until he retired. Upon retirement, Joe was appointed as a professor emeritus—an honor bestowed to those at the top of their field who have made profound contributions to the institution.
Joe’s brilliant research career was highlighted with breakthroughs in the fields of 3D micro printing, high-density energy storage, ultrafast optical switching, micro laser development, and the characterization and understanding of nonlinear optical properties of materials. He published hundreds of impactful papers in the broad areas of physical chemistry and optical and electronic materials.
Further, he mentored numerous students and scientists. He was extremely rigorous in his training of his mentees but also cared about them in a holistic sense. People knew that when they were going through tough times, Joe would give sound and compassionate advice and take action to help people through the challenging times.
Because of his dedication and achievements in research and mentorship, Joe received many honors and recognitions during his distinguished career. In 2006, he was recognized with Optica Fellow status for innovative contributions to the understanding and application of nonlinear optical properties of organic materials. He was also recognized with Fellow status by the American Physical Society in 2009, the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2011, and the World Technology Network in 2015. In addition, his work possessed broad enough appeal that it was covered in the Economist and Forbes magazines, among others.
When he was younger, he was an avid basketball and baseball player. While he would not be described as “tall,” what he lacked in height, he made up for with determination and technique. He also loved Soccer, Yoga and green tea. Joe often talked fondly about playing basketball and spending time with his Children. Joe was also a wonderful husband. He and Vickie shared a love of dancing, traveling and cooking. They spent several wonderful summers in France, Italy, and Spain where they enjoyed good times, good foods, and good wines together.
Those who knew Joe were always impressed by the breadth and depth of his knowledge. Those blessed to be touched by Joe will miss his insight, but more importantly, his warmth, empathy, and the love he had for his friends and family.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Vickie, his mother Dolly, Two children Christopher and Jacqueline, Granddaughter Madelyn, step children Chandler, Andrea, Lauren and Baron. Along with many adored Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and surrogate Children who were his students. Joe was preceded in death by his father Joseph, siblings Suzanne, Micheal, and Patrick. He is survived By siblings Kenneth, Kelly and Mathew.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to support the education of future researchers. Donations can be made to the Georgia Tech Foundation Inc. and mailed to 760 Spring Street NW, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30308. Please indicate on the memo line “In memory of Dr. Joseph Perry, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry". Donations can also be made online at https://mygeorgiatech.gatech.edu/giving/school-of-chemistry- and-biochemistry-excellence-fund
Joe attended the University of South Florida where he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1977. He then pursued his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology under the guidance of the Nobel Laureate Ahmed Hassan Zewail. In 1984, Joe went on to conduct research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in molecular spectroscopy.
Upon completing his education in 1985, Joe became a senior research scientist for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at NASA, where he led a research group in organic optoelectronics. Joe also participated in the NASA Tiger Team where he identified and mitigated a morphology and stability issue on the Wide Field Planetary Camera II that was formerly installed on the Hubble Space Telescope. Joe was recognized for his achievements with a Director’s Research Achievement Award in 1989 from JPL and the Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement in 1992 from NASA.
Joe’s scientific prowess and passion for being a mentor led him to become a professor at the University of Arizona in He continued his career at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2003 where he stayed until he retired. Upon retirement, Joe was appointed as a professor emeritus—an honor bestowed to those at the top of their field who have made profound contributions to the institution.
Joe’s brilliant research career was highlighted with breakthroughs in the fields of 3D micro printing, high-density energy storage, ultrafast optical switching, micro laser development, and the characterization and understanding of nonlinear optical properties of materials. He published hundreds of impactful papers in the broad areas of physical chemistry and optical and electronic materials.
Further, he mentored numerous students and scientists. He was extremely rigorous in his training of his mentees but also cared about them in a holistic sense. People knew that when they were going through tough times, Joe would give sound and compassionate advice and take action to help people through the challenging times.
Because of his dedication and achievements in research and mentorship, Joe received many honors and recognitions during his distinguished career. In 2006, he was recognized with Optica Fellow status for innovative contributions to the understanding and application of nonlinear optical properties of organic materials. He was also recognized with Fellow status by the American Physical Society in 2009, the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2011, and the World Technology Network in 2015. In addition, his work possessed broad enough appeal that it was covered in the Economist and Forbes magazines, among others.
When he was younger, he was an avid basketball and baseball player. While he would not be described as “tall,” what he lacked in height, he made up for with determination and technique. He also loved Soccer, Yoga and green tea. Joe often talked fondly about playing basketball and spending time with his Children. Joe was also a wonderful husband. He and Vickie shared a love of dancing, traveling and cooking. They spent several wonderful summers in France, Italy, and Spain where they enjoyed good times, good foods, and good wines together.
Those who knew Joe were always impressed by the breadth and depth of his knowledge. Those blessed to be touched by Joe will miss his insight, but more importantly, his warmth, empathy, and the love he had for his friends and family.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Vickie, his mother Dolly, Two children Christopher and Jacqueline, Granddaughter Madelyn, step children Chandler, Andrea, Lauren and Baron. Along with many adored Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and surrogate Children who were his students. Joe was preceded in death by his father Joseph, siblings Suzanne, Micheal, and Patrick. He is survived By siblings Kenneth, Kelly and Mathew.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to support the education of future researchers. Donations can be made to the Georgia Tech Foundation Inc. and mailed to 760 Spring Street NW, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30308. Please indicate on the memo line “In memory of Dr. Joseph Perry, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry". Donations can also be made online at https://mygeorgiatech.gatech.edu/giving/school-of-chemistry- and-biochemistry-excellence-fund