John A. Perry, age 85, of Gouverneur, passed away on July 17, 2024 at home under the care of his loving family and hospice after battling ALS.
There will be no services at this time. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
John was born on January 18, 1939 in Gouverneur to Arthur Theodore “Ted” Perry and Marion G. (O’Riley) Perry Tamamaoto. He was raised in Gouverneur by his grandparents, Myrtle and Charles Perry. He attended the West Side Elementary School and Gouverneur High School before earning his GED. John served in the U.S. Army Reserve for many years.
John married Kay M. Conklin on April 18th, 1960. The couple raised their family in Gouverneur while John worked as the Grocery Manager for the A&P and Great American for many years. He had also worked in the mill for St. Joe an ZCA for several years.
John loved to hunt, fish and hike in the woods. He enjoyed archery, cross country skiing and feeding the deer and birds in his yard. He was a talented musician, playing guitar and singing in his band. John was a member and past President of the Rod and Gun Club’s Muzzleloading Group, earned his Black Belt in Karate and enjoyed scuba diving. Most people that knew John remember that he was always smiling, friendly, and happy.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Perry, daughter Joette Hentz and her husband, Stephen, son, John Perry and his wife, Jeanette, uncle, Donnie O’Riley, sister, Judy Coyle, and brothers, Joseph Alan Perry and his wife, Peggy, and Timmy Tamamaoto. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Thomas Joseph Hentz and his fiancé Megan, Anthony J. Perry and his wife, Anita, Stephen J. Hentz, and Alexandra D. Hartle and her husband, Jordan, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by a brother, James Perry.
Donations in memory of John may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, PO Box 510, Potsdam NY 13676.