Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Perry

Gerald (Jerry) Robert Perry, 90, of Old Saybrook passed away peacefully on April 8th at home. Born on July 11, 1929 in Saginaw, Michigan he was the son of the late Ray and Elsie Perry (Paulberg). He is survived by his only daughter Marcia Young (Perry) and her husband Greg, grandchildren Robert DeMeulemeester (Shannon) of Old Saybrook, David Perry (Monica) of Michigan, Timothy Perry (Sarah) of San Diego and two great-granddaughters, Kathryn Viola and Clara Rose DeMeulemeester. He and his wife spent 57 magical years together. They moved to Old Saybrook in 1999 from Michigan to be nearer to family. He retired in 1987 after 40 years at Michigan Bell Telephone Company. Raised in Michigan he loved his time in the Upper Peninsula fishing, boating and just spending time at their cabin on Au Train Lake for many enjoyable summers. After moving to Old Saybrook he joined and was extremely proud to be a member of the Westbrook Honor Guard. He was an avid reader and a Civil War buff and was a member of the Old Saybrook Shoreline Civil War Roundtable. Many will remember him zipping around town on his moped (Gertrude) until he retired her with over 12,000 miles at his young age of 89. You could always find him in his favorite chair on Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR. He truly enjoyed life. He served in the US Navy as an Aerographer from 1948 - 1955 including assignments in Pearl Harbor, Japan and China. He received the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. Spending time with his family, especially his two beautiful great-granddaughters was a highlight in his life. The smile and laugh that we grew to love would light up a room. He was a kind and friendly gentleman. His stories always kept you engaged, and there were a lot of them! He was predeceased by his loving wife Julia Viola Perry (Nicol) and their son Gerald R. Perry, Jr. and brothers Ray and James Perry and sister Eunice. We know Jerry would want you to reach out to someone you love and check in on them during this time of need, and be sure to thank our military, police, fire/EMS and frontline care givers in any way you can. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers family wishes contributions be made in Jerry’s name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road in Old Saybrook. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.