John J. Perry,

GARDNER - John J. Perry, Sr., 68, of 3 Pine Grove Ave., Gardner, died Saturday, November 8, 2008 in the Heywood Hospital, Gardner. He was born in Fitchburg on October 16, 1940, the son of the late Sheldon B. and the late Vera W. (Myllykangas) Perry. Mr. Perry grew up in Fitchburg and attended local schools. Upon receiving his G.E.D. at Mount Wachusett Community College, he began studying electronics. While in school, Mr. Perry worked in the Electrical Department at Heywood Hospital in Gardner. He earned his Associate's Degree in Electronics in 1987, graduating with high honors and as a member of Phi Theta Cappa. He was a volunteer tutor of Mathematics at the College, was featured in Gardner's "Who's Who" book, and earned many pins and awards for his time at Mount Wachusett Community College. Mr. Perry was part of the Salvation Army since a young age, and was married in the Salvation Army Church to his wife, June A. (Dean) Perry in 1963. He worked as an Applications Engineer for Simplex Tyco for eighteen years. He enjoyed playing the guitar, and taught several family members how to play. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and always looked forward to his weekly get-togethers with his two sons to play various games. He leaves his wife of nearly 46 years, June A. (Dean) Perry; two sons, John Jacob Perry, Jr. and his wife Janet of East Templeton, Sheldon Robert Perry and his wife Carol of Northbridge; two sisters, Betty Jane Perry of Fitchburg, Barbara Ruth Eskelinen of Lake Worth, FL; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 1:00 pm in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Route 2A, Templeton. A reception will follow at the home of Mrs. Bertha Dean, where Robert E. Dean, Jr. will be playing his guitar. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a charity of one's choice. John H. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangem $(document).ready(function(){ });