NEW HAVEN — Donald T. Perdue, 84, of New Haven, Vermont, passed away on Oct. 2, 2026, after a long illness. The family would like to thank Helen Porter Rehabilitation, and Addison County Health and Hospice for their compassion and care during this time.
Don was born in New Jersey and grew up in North Caldwell with his parents, Ethel and Winston, his brother, and his sister. In 1963 he married Nancy E. Rupp, and together they built a life filled with art, adventure, and family. In 1993 they moved to New Haven, Vt.
A devoted teacher, Don studied at Kokoschka’s International Academy in Salzburg, Austria, and at the Art Students League in New York City. He completed graduate work in Art Education at Montclair State College. He shared his passion for learning throughout his life, teaching privately in his own sculpture studio and at Caldwell College in New Jersey, Galway Technical College in Ireland, and eventually here in Vermont at the Gailer School and Vermont Adult Learning.
Alongside teaching fine arts and humanities, Don worked as a sculptor all his life. He created a large body of figurative and abstract work, including stone and wood carvings, cast bronze and stone — ranging from monumental outdoor commissions to delicate hand-carved miniatures. His work was exhibited in galleries in New York City, New Jersey, and Vermont, and many pieces now reside in private collections. A sampling can be viewed at studioperdue.com. He was also accomplished in drawing, painting, and printmaking.
Don brought the same zeal and gusto to everything he loved. An avid camper and outdoorsman, he traveled throughout New England, the Pacific Northwest, the Maritimes, and Newfoundland with his wife and son. A lifelong sports car enthusiast, he was an amateur rally driver, toured Europe with Nancy in their Triumph and went on to enjoy their vintage Beetle and Miata, touring around Vermont, and motoring with their son and grandson.
He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy; his parents; and his brother, Judd. He is survived by his son, Justin, and daughter-in-law, Puanani; his grandson, Wes; and his sister, Nancy Miller.
A Celebration of Life will be held in early November at the family home in New Haven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the arts organization, museum, or charity of your choice. ◊
