Perry Rothaus

Perry Rothaus, 87, of Philadelphia, beloved husband and very best friend ever of Judi Erlichman-Rothaus (nee Katz) for almost 50 years, passed away at home surrounded by his family and loved ones on April 21, 2026, following a six-year long, heroic battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsonism.

Perry is also survived by his children, Michael Rothaus (Lisa), Pamela Chesler (Jeff) and Ron Feldstein (Stacy). Blessed with six loving grandchildren, he was the adored Poppy (Poppy Monster) of Andrew, Marlee, Caleb, Chloe, Keaton, and Graceyn, who he delighted with his shenanigans and silliness.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, Dorothy and Philip Rothaus, brother Myron Rothaus, and sister Mitzi Cooper.

After graduating from Cheltenham High School and the Wharton School of Business, Perry entered the family business, Colonial Floor Covering, where he spent most of his working years. Perry bravely left the security of the business in the early 70’s to live a couple of years in Israel. Ultimately he returned to Colonial where he worked until he retired following a major and very rare cancer diagnosis in 1996. Given only 3 months to live, he fought like the competitor he always was and survived for 30 years. The Lance Armstrong Foundation sought him out and invited him and Judi to Austin, Texas to be on a panel with Lance and Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Following his miraculous recovery, he worked for 10 years as a volunteer at University of Pennsylvania Hospital cheering on other cancer patients, providing hope and support. You can read about Perry’s experience in the book entitled “Livestrong” by Lance Armstrong.

A wonderfully funny guy, he was always sought out by his friends to be part of anything and everything social. His wife, Judi, always teased that she should start a business called “Rent a Perry for your Party.”

Perry’s passions included the Phillies, the Eagles, the Sixers, and he could always be found in his cozy chair watching a game and doing his favorite pastime – the NY Times crossword puzzle…in ink.

His smile, ability to laugh at himself, and easy, comfortable style made people want to be around him and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

A service to honor Perry’s beautiful life will be held on Friday, April 24th at 12:30 pm promptly at Joseph Levine & Sons Funeral Home located at 1002 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA. Interment to follow at Montefiore Cemetery, 600 Church Road, Jenkintown, PA. Those unable to attend may watch the livestream at www.levinefuneral.com/blue-bell-webcam1.html. Shiva will be observed at Stacy and Ron Feldstein’s home.

Contributions in Perry’s memory can be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) or Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Pennsylvania Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements Made By Joseph Levine and Sons- Blue Bell