John R. Perry

John R. Perry, 80, formally of Smith St., Bristol, R. I. passed away Monday, February 20, 2023, at Silver Creek Manor, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson disease.

A lifelong Bristol resident, he was the oldest of two children from the late Ferdinand and Anna (Borges) Perry. After graduation in 1960 from Bristol Senior High School he joined the United States Army. He returned in 1962 to marry his high school sweetheart, the late Carol (Gomes) Perry. He continued his service for several more years in the Army Nation Guard.

John dedicated his life to be of service to others in need. In 1965 he joined the volunteer Ever-Ready Engine & Hose Co. where he was recognized for 40 years of service in 2005. He volunteered on the Bristol Rescue Squad eventually rising to the rank of Captain in the late 1970s. He was also a full time firefighter in the town of Barrington from 1970 to 1993 when he retired as Lieutenant.

During his years as a firefighter, he found his true calling, nursing. On his days off he attended the Community College of R.I. graduating in 1983 with an AS in Nursing finishing his BS in Nursing in 1993. His firefighting and nursing career lead to numerous appointments serving on boards related to advance life support. He also worked as a nurse at R.I. Hospital ER department, several R.I. Hospital research projects, Contract Nurse Consultant/Case Manager for the United States Department of Labor, and EMS Instructor at CCRI, just to name a few.

He leaves behind his Son and Daughter-in-law Bill and Kat Perry of Minot, ME., Son Shawn Perry of Warren, Son Scott Perry of Florida, Grandchildren Cody Perry and Nicole Perry as well as his Great Grandson Kayden Rodriguez Perry. He also leaves behind his Sister Lavinia Perry of Bristol, and many nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather to the late Cooper, Logan, and Kaitlin Perry—his angels in heaven.

Visiting hour will be held Saturday March 11, 2023, from 9-10am at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol R.I. followed by services at St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Wood St. Bristol, R.I. at 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Bristol Fire Department Benevolent Association Charitable Trust, PO Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809.
 

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