HOLYOKE – Vincent (Vinny) J. Perry passed peacefully on November 18th, at the age of 92 surrounded by family and caring staff at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts. Born to David Perry and Martha Cook in Vermont, he attended the local schools and graduated from Northfield High School.
Vincent served in the Navy for 6 years aboard the USS Arlbermarle and the USS Leyte during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded a Unit Citation and received the National Defense Medal.
Vinny was blessed to have the love of three wonderful women during his lifetime. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Simons, with whom he raised a family in Manchester, CT for 45 years. Vinny worked as a mechanic for many of those years at Gerich’s Garage where he was treated like part of the family. He also enjoyed hunting and stock car racing. He moved to Texas where he found happiness with Shirley Barnard for ten years, traveling the country and having many fun adventures. In his late 70’s he moved back East and reconnected with an old school friend, Mona LeFevbre. They were married at the age of 80 and made their home in Granville, Massachusetts until she passed in 2017. He belonged to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Southwick, MA, where he was a Chancellor and 4th degree in The Knights of Columbus.
Throughout his life, Vinny was passionate about his faith, family, and country. He made friends easily and was always willing to help those in need. He believed in giving back to the community as a Boy Scout leader and Eucharistic minister to the sick at St. Bridget’s, and an active member of the VFW and American Legion. He found many kindred spirits while serving in the Knights of Columbus. Vinny also enjoyed playing Santa for many different events, nature, and his many pets, but his family was his main source of pride and joy. They were rich in life’s true blessings of love, togetherness and wonderful memories.
Vinny will be sadly missed by his children and their spouses: Eileen and Bob Pekar of North Kingstown, RI, Karen and Greg Germain of Colchester, CT, Vincent and Donna Perry of Danbury, CT, and Myra and Jerry Flowers of West Columbia, SC. He is survived by his sisters and their spouses, Denise and George Opalenik of Willington, CT and Cindy and Reed Painter of Fort Valley, GA. He was predeceased by his sisters Patricia Perry, Sarah Perry, and Claudia Perry. He leaves many loving nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by his pride and joy, his grand and great-grandchildren: Kimberly Harlow, Beth Stanton, Michael Perry, Jennifer Perry, Suzy Pekar, Elizabeth Pekar, Rachel Flowers, William Flowers and his eight great-grandchildren.
Special gratitude goes out to the amazing team at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home who cared for Vinny during the last 4 ½ years of his life. His friendly nature and flirtatious charm won over the staff, and they became a second family to him. Their love and support during this time was immeasurable.
Friends and relatives are welcome to join the family for calling hours at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester CT, on Thursday, December 1st beginning at 8:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial is to follow at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main Street, Manchester, at 10:00AM. Burial will take place immediately after in St. Bridget Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the local Knights of Columbus chapter. For more information, to view Vinny’s tribute page or leave an online condolence, please visit holmeswatkins.com
