Obituary of James Donald Perry

James "Don" Perry 74, formerly of Bolles St. Putnam, died late morning on Wednesday February 27, 2008. Beloved husband of 51 years of Beverly (Campbell) Perry. Don was born in Putnam on August 6, 1933, son of the late George Perry and Ella (Long) Perry-Price.

He was a lifelong resident of Putnam, and recently moved to Maple Courts in Danielson. He was the youngest of eleven children. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War having served in the United States, Japan and Korea. Don received the Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals. After his military duty he worked at Idle Wild Farm in Pomfret and twenty-eight years at Putnam Herzl Textile Mill. After the mill closed he worked for the State of CT at Dempsey Regional Center in Putnam. Don's favorite things to do were trout fishing, relocating squirrels, harvesting black walnuts, ball room and square dancing. He enjoyed all sports and spending numerous hours with his family and grandchildren.

He leaves his wife Beverly, his children and their spouses: Gerard A. and Cecile Perry of Danielson; Sara J. and James Martin of Ashford; John A. and Patricia Perry of Putnam; David D. and Heather Perry of Tolland; his grandchildren: Crystal Perry, Jennifer (Perry) and husband John Sorenson, Jessica Martin, Amanda Perry, William Perry, Heather Perry, Stephanie Martin, Michaela and Alix Perry and a great grandson. He is also survived by his sisters Myrtis LaPreay, Mildred Derosier, Ada Schmidt, and Helen Joyal, numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his sister and bother-in-law Effie and Antonio Beaudreault, his brothers: Clarence; Walter; Chester; Ralph and Charles.

His family will greet family and friends on Wednesday at 11:30 at the Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main Street, Putnam. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Don's name to the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 or to Day Kimball Hospital Chaplaincy program PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.