Marcel Robert Perry

Marcel Perry, a lifelong resident of Cape Cod, died Saturday the 1st of June at Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford. Born on May 23rd, 1930 in Hyannis, Marcel was the son of Myron and Marie Perry and he grew up on Sea Street. He was married to Pearl "Mitzi" Perry for 65 years and they lived and raised their family in Centerville by Lake Wequaquet. He was a longtime member of South Congregational Church in Centerville and the Mariners Lodge where he was a past master.

Marcel served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Upon his honorable discharge, he began to work on the Cape with what was then the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. he remained with the company throughout its many iterations until it was called AT&T upon his retirement.

Marcel was an avid waterman and could often be found putting his boat in at the Centerville River ramp. He enjoyed casting for blue fish, digging for quahogs and taking his family to Sampson's Island for cookouts. It is not hyperbole to state that his baked stuffed quahogs were the stuff of Cape Cod legend. Most of all, Marcel was someone you could count on, whether the church needed painting, your porch had rotted away or a tree had blown down in your yard during a storm. Marcel was always there, ready, willing and able, equipped with a practical knowledge he'd earned through a lifetime of hard work.

Marcel's death follows that of his beloved wife Pearl in 2021. He was loved, respected and is survived by his children Nancy Helgeland of Malibu, CA and her husband Brian and David Perry or Leominster, MA and also by his grandchildren, Ian and Martin Helgeland, and Jami and John Perry, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. Marcel is predeceased by his sisters Madeleine and Lucette. His parents met while his father served in World War One in France. His mother was French and thus the three children's French names.

A private burial was held at Beechwood Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to Sacred Heart Home, 359 Summer St, New Bedford, MA 02740. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Sacred Heart for the loving care of their father and grandfather.