Darryl Gregg Perlin
“I never expected to be anybody important” – Elvis Presley
Reflections on the life of Darryl “Elvis” Perlin, dedicated fan of “The King”
by Elise Cunanan (middle daughter)
and Linda Perlin (wife)
Darryl Gregg Perlin was born on Thanksgiving, November 27, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Herbert and Gertrude Perlin, the second of three sons. He grew up in Pomona, enjoying the California sunshine and music of the 50’s and 60’s. Darryl met his future wife, “Lovely Linda,” while in junior high. Their first date was prom in their senior year of high school and they married on December 14, 1968. Darryl and Linda attended UCLA and he graduated in 1969 and then attended law school.
In 1973, Darryl and Linda bought a van and drove across the U.S. to find their forever home. Toward the end of their trip, they passed through Santa Barbara as the sun was setting over Shoreline Park and knew this was where they wanted to establish roots, a place they made their home for most of the next four-plus decades. Darryl joined the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s office in 1975 as a Senior Deputy District Attorney. He loved the law, was highly opinionated, and prosecuted many high-profile cases during his career. Darryl’s priority was to advocate for the rights of people who had been victimized by crime. He retired from the District Attorney’s Office at the end of 2009 where integrity was the watchword of his career.
Darryl had many passions outside of his work. He enjoyed playing softball for decades with the District Attorney’s team. He was a congregant of Congregation B’nai B’rith since 1973 which led to his involvement with his supportive close friends within Havurrah Atid since 1981. For many years he volunteered for The Dream Foundation. He also co-chaired the UCLA Alumni Scholarship Committee for more than a decade.
Running was a passion of his, having lettered in cross-country during his junior year of high school. When he was in trial, he would run during court recess to clear his head and develop strategy. He participated in many community running events and 5-K races. He was the supreme organizer of Dodger baseball trips for his synagogue and the District Attorney’s Office, where he also masterminded NCAA basketball tournament rankings during March Madness. He delighted in the fact he had daughters (Hilary, Elise and Alana) who participated as Flower Girls during Old Spanish Days. This gave him the caveat to dress up and walk with them at the head of the Fiesta parade. He also loved going on bike rides with his girls and helped them to memorize all the U.S. Presidents (in order!) as well as the U.S. states and capitals. He wanted them to be curious, embrace education and work hard.
Anyone who knew Darryl soon came to realize his great passion for “The King,” Elvis Presley. His office and home were filled with Elvis memorabilia. He acquired many Elvis outfits, even a hand-made gold lame’ suit that served him well over the years when he acted as the emcee for several retirement parties and other events. He enjoyed many trips to Graceland and once took his family on a 6-week cross-country train trip that included, of course, another visit to the home of Elvis.
Darryl was strong-willed and full of humor. He loved having fun and playing pranks, yet was devoted to justice and held a strong belief that life was a gift. He took many vacations to his beloved Kauai with Linda and his daughters, and truly embraced the Aloha spirit. He fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Type 1 Diabetes and passed away in the caring environment of Serenity House on April 29, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer when Covid restrictions are more fully lifted.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Linda; daughters Hilary (Chris); Elise (Jay); Alana (Peter); grandchildren Byron, Dylan and Brooke; and brothers Joel (Ruth); and Barry Michael.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Bordofsky and Dr. Daniel Berger for their many years of excellent medical service to our beloved Darryl.
Those wishing to make donations can do so to the Parkinson’s Association of Santa Barbara; Congregation B’Nai B’Rith (Rabbi’s/Cantor’s Discretionary Funds); or Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse Association Hospice.