Even though my dad did not have a father in his life growing up, he truly had an understanding of what it meant to be a father. He worked hard to provide so much for us. Sometimes he worked two or three jobs to make sure we were taken care of. He had this amazing calm and patience that made us feel safe.
 My father showed us the magnificence of nature by taking us in a VW camper on wonderful and amazing camping adventures all over North America. We saw so many breathtaking & inspiring places. The smell and warmth of a campfire is still one my favorite things.
My father could fix things… and he was good at it. He usually took care of everything, repairs, building. If it was a larger project, sometimes neighbors, friends, family would join in. After a lot of hard work, sweat and occasionally some beer, they had built something outstanding and made to last.
My father taught me the value of hard work and building things to last. He made a house a home. A place to feel safe. A place to be proud of.
My father just didn’t repair things, he was an artist and craftsman in his own right. He painted wonderful works of art and crafted ordinary cuts of wood into beautiful and functional furniture and décor. My home is filled with so many of his beautifully handcrafted works.
My father was always there for us, without question, without hesitation. He taught me the value of honesty, the value of treating people with respect and dignity, the value of generosity and being willing to help out whenever possible. He taught me the value of community, the value of neighbors, neighbors who became friends, friends who became family.
My dad’s sense of humor will always make me smile and laugh.
My father will continue to be what he has always been for me… a guiding north star and a hero. 


Bob influenced our families lives in a everlasting way, from back in the 70’s when him and my Father Don Napoli went out and purchased together two nearly identical VW Camper vans and proceeded to take their young families on innumerable weekend mountain camping and road trip adventures, these experiences that he helped facilitate most positively influenced two more generations of our family to this very day!

Bob and Virginia’s Sons, Michael and Steve have been lifelong friends and became amazing men in their own right, creating an enduring legacy of Bobs that continues to this day to be an important part of our lives.

I wish peace and solace to all who knew, loved and were a part of Robert “Bob” Perry’s life, his wonderful legacy and memory will always be a cherished part of our lives.

Michael Don Napoli

The definition of friend states a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.  This doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of a family friendship that spans over 50 years.  Our families met in 1970, we were neighbors on Bellaire Way.  We didn’t realize at the time, but these people would become our chosen family.  

One of those key players was Robert “Bob” Perry.  Bob was always like a brother to us, and an uncle to our daughters.  His kind, gentle nature always made it easy to love him.  He tended to be quiet but had a great sense of humor.  No matter what the situation, Bob would be there ready to help.  Over the years, his abilities and assistance covered everything from fixing cars to standing beside us in the hospital awaiting our granddaughter’s birth.  True friends are not only there for the good times, but more importantly are there for each other during the hard times.  We can honestly say there was an abundance of both good memories, as well as heartache over the five decades.  We would often talk of the good times; the camping trip, the vacations, summer evenings, dinners in Hanford, the list goes on and on.  We also supported each other through the trying times; the trials of raising children, illness, and loss. 

There is a quote that reminds us of our friendship and the lasting impact of our years together:  
In life, we often get separated from each other.  We miss our conversations... We miss laughing with each other...  Days, months and years pass and one day our grandchildren or great-grandchildren will see our photos and ask, “Who are these people?” and we will smile with invisible tears and say, “It was with them that we had some of the best days of our lives.”

There are no words to express how deeply you will be missed.  Thank you, Bob, for being an incredible person in our lives.  You are so loved and always will be….  

Rudy and Joanne Castillo



OBITUARY

Robert Wayne Perry

18 July, 1940 – 27 April, 2022

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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