Raymond G. Perry, Jr.

Greenfield, Massachusetts
Raymond G. Perry, Jr., 92 of 31 Gold Street, passed peacefully on Saturday afternoon, February 6, 2016 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, following a period of illness.
A native of Erving, MA, he was born on February 6, 1924 to Raymond G. Perry, Sr., and Hannah Cecilia (Guganig) Perry.  He was educated in Greenfield Public Schools, graduate of GHS in the Class of 1941. Ray worked for the former A & P Grocery Store in Greenfield as a stock boy, clerk and bagger while in high school and later for the Greenfield Tap & Die Corporation as a draftsman, prior to enlisting in the war effort of WWII. 
As a member of the Greatest Generation, Ray answered his nation’s call for service by joining the USMC and served honorably in the islands of the South Pacific as a radar operator.  He was awarded a Purple Heart for his heroism and injuries sustained in combat, as well as the Good Conduct Medal and Sharp Shooters ribbon. He served honorably from May 21, 1942 until February 5, 1946 and attained the rank of Corporal.
Upon his return to civilian life, Ray accepted a position with the former Boston & Maine Railroad, working as a freight agent.  He followed in the foot-steps of his father who was a railroad man, and later was joined by his brothers John, William and Thomas.  He retired with over 30 years of employment. He furthered his education by attending GCC, graduating with an AS in Liberal Arts.
A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield, MA, where he was active in parish life. He served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, CCD instructor and a member of numerous parish committees. Most notably, he was as an acolyte serving at numerous masses over the years for holy days of obligation, special events, holiday observances and funerals at both Blessed Sacrament Church and Holy Trinity Church. 
He was a member of the Lt. John J. Galvin Knights of Columbus Council #133, the Greenfield Lodge of Elks BPOE #1296 (Past Exalted Ruler) and life member of the Oak Ridge Detachment of the Marine Corps League of Bernardston, MA.  He was a member of the Greenfield YMCA since 1946.  Ray enjoyed following football, in particular GHS varsity football, the UMASS Minuteman and the New England Patriots.  He enjoyed reading and in his youth, could be found roller skating at the former Rhythm Inn in Turners Falls, MA. Ray was a volunteer for the Franklin County Community Meals Program for 26 years. His greatest joy in life however, came from spending time with his family to whom he was devoted.
He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters: Jane A. McNeil and her husband Carl, of Greenfield, MA and Elizabeth J. Perry, of Greenfield, MA, with whom he made his home. Additionally he leaves several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews who will remember him with affection.   
Funeral services in celebration of his life and patriotism, will be observed on Saturday, February 13, 2016 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA.  Rites of committal and burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Greenfield, MA   Guests are asked to convene at the church location on Saturday morning by not later than 9:45AM in observance of the funeral mass. Full military honors will be observed with a detachment of the USMC in attendance. They will be assisted by the Oak Ridge Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Bernardston, MA. 
The Perry family will receive guests on Friday evening, February 12, 2016 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA.  Expressions of affection in the form of a charitable gift in Ray’s memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to Blessed Sacrament Church, 182 High Street, Greenfield, MA  01301. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond G. Perry, Jr., please visit our floral store.