Obituary of Nicola "Nick" Pietro Perugini

Nicola (Nick) Perugini, passed away suddenly in an automobile accident on Friday, May 12, 2023, while vacationing in Italy with his husband Jim Ryan.

Cherished family member and friend, accomplished business executive, and one who lived life to its fullest, Nick was born in 1977 in Waterbury, CT to Nick and Linda (D'Angelo) Perugini. Nick's brother Eric was born in 1980, and the family relocated to Watertown, CT in 1986. Nick was raised in an Italian American household always surrounded by his many cousins, relatives, and friends. Nick attended St. John's School in Watertown, graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury in 1995, and graduated Bentley University in Waltham, MA, with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems.

Characterized by a tireless work ethic, capacity for problem-solving, and exemplary communications skills, Nick began his storied 25+ year career at GE as an intern in 1999, immediately followed by a role in GE's Leadership Program. Nick traveled the globe with GE, relocating to Rome, Brussels, London, and other cities, before transitioning to a role with GE Capital in Connecticut in November 2002.

It was then that he met Jim Ryan, and the two have been inseparable since. They settled initially in Norwalk, CT, partnering together to renovate a 19th-century mill house. It was there that Nick and Jim were married in 2014, surrounded by their family and dear friends. Following their relocation to downtown Boston in 2016, the couple purchased their beloved home in Provincetown, MA. That became a place of joy, rest, and comfort for them and so many others who enjoyed their company. Nick and Jim's partnership over two-plus decades was one of shared adventure, deep connection to each other's families, meaningful and lasting friendships with many, and, above all, profound love for each other.

During his tenure at GE, Nick was a revered leader, genuine friend, and trusted advisor to so many. Despite his busy schedule, he always found time for mentorship, supporting career development, and generously opening doors for others. His co-chair role for the Boston CIO Inner Circle was but one manifestation of his willingness to lend his time, energy & resources.

In 2020 when the world became paralyzed from COVID-19, Nick helped steer over 200,000 GE employees through the crisis, as the trusted and empathetic leader he was known to be. Among Nick's most significant accomplishments was being instrumental in GE's proposed separation into three companies. As CIO of Global Functions & Finance, Nick's direct contributions helped shape and execute GE's finance & functional strategies. His efforts have set GE on a positive path forward, and his imprint will be felt for years to come.

With unbridled optimism, a welcoming spirit, and a hearty laugh that could be heard across any room, Nick cultivated friendships and connections everywhere he went. In particular, Nick found great joy in cooking and baking. Along with Jim, Nick would plan elaborate dinner parties, characterized by his flawless culinary skills, his attention to every detail, and his desire to create a meaningful experience for his family and friends. It was never work. This was Nick's way of opening his heart and home to friends and family that would share in an evening characterized by a great meal, robust conversation, lots of laughter, and genuinely stronger bonds of connection.

Social and engaging as he was, he also found pleasure in some solitary pursuits. During the past year, having proudly secured his motorcycle license, Nick could be found riding his new Vespa scooter around Provincetown and Truro, MA. It's an image that will remain for many.

Above all, Nick was a genuinely good person who cared for others and took enormous joy in being surrounded by loved ones, especially his beloved niece & nephew Raegan and Deacon, with whom he'd speak daily.

Nick is survived by his loving husband, Jim Ryan, of Boston, MA. Nick also leaves behind his parents, Nick and Linda Perugini, grandmother Rosa Perugini of Watertown, CT, brother Eric, and sister-in-law April Perugini, and their son Deacon and daughter Raegan from Fairfield, CT. Nick is also survived by his father- and mother-in-law Tom and Elaine Ryan of Long Island and Jim's two siblings and their families: Mary (Ryan) and Dave Curtis of Long Island, daughter Cailin, and sons, Lucas and Patrick; Edward & Maria Ryan of Long Island and their daughters, Mary Kate and Alison. In addition, Nick leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends in Connecticut, Boston, and Provincetown, as well as countless business colleagues globally.

Public calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 13th from 5 to 7:30 PM at Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. On Friday, July 14th at 10:00 AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Nick at St. Pius X Church at 834 Brookside Drive, in Fairfield. Finally, later this year there will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Nick. More details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family has established the Nick Perugini Memorial Scholarship at Nick’s alma mater, Bentley University. Nick was dedicated to mentoring students and helping them succeed. This scholarship has been established to ensure his support and legacy of leadership, service, and personal and professional development continues. You can support the Nick Perugini Memorial Scholarship at bentley.edu/PeruginiMemorialFund.