John Richards Perry Jr.

John R. Perry Jr, 82, passed away with his beloved wife, Joan (Havey) Denning-Perry, holding his hand at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on December 13th 2022 after a brief illness related to complications from COVID-19.

John, the son of John R. Perry, Sr and Marilyn Hallett (Pease) Perry, was raised in Weston, MA. He graduated from Weston High School in 1959 and then attended Vanderbilt University. After graduating in 1964, John married his college sweetheart, Stephanie (Souby) Perry, and returned to Massachusetts, eventually settling in Weston, where they raised their children and lived until Stephanie’s passing after 45 years of marriage.

John was incredibly fortunate to re-connect with Joan, with whom he had attended kindergarten through 12th grade, at their 50th high school reunion, finding a great love and becoming devoted to one another. Joan and John re-located to Amesbury, then Peabody, where they spent their time doing the things that they loved; being with each other, socializing with friends, traveling and spending time with family.

John’s business career was unique in today’s world as he spent his time with only one employer, his family’s painting contracting firm, Lewis F. Perry’s Sons Company originally established in 1860. John worked at all levels within the business from truck driver/shop supervisor in his teens, to a journeyman painter, and then vice president, eventually becoming President and owner in the early 1980’s.

Besides family and work, John was an accomplished athlete with a love for the game of golf. In addition to being a two-time president of the Weston Golf Club, John was a 30+ year volunteer of the Massachusetts Golf Association serving as its president from 1996-1997. For many years one of his most cherished experiences in golf was his participation in the Lesley Cup both as a player and as a trustee. He was also affiliated with and volunteered with the Bay State Seniors, Hickory Shafts and New England Golf Association.

John will be remembered by his family and friends as a true gentleman and fierce competitor as well as a strong but fair leader who maintained a kind, gentle and generous nature with a sly sense of humor.

John leaves behind his loving wife, Joan; his brothers Roger Perry and wife Heather of Beulah, MI, Dexter Perry and wife Donna of Walpole, MA; his adored children Dana Oster and husband Marc of Houston, TX, John R. Perry III and wife Jessica of Holliston, MA; his grandchildren, of whom he took great pride, Perry Oster and wife Sarah of Houston, TX, Spencer Oster and Margaret Oster, both of Dallas, TX, Caroline Oster of Houston, TX, Carson Perry and Greyson Perry of Holliston, MA.

There will be a celebration of John’s life, held at the Weston Golf Club, on December 28, 2022 starting at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The First Tee of Massachusetts at 300 Arnold Palmer Boulevard, Norton, MA 02766 or Kaplan Family Hospice House at 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923.

Arrangements will be held through Duckett Funeral Home of J. S. Waterman & Sons and messages of condolences can be left at www.Duckett-Waterman.com.