Edward PERRY Obituary


PERRY, Edward Leroy
Loving father, talented athlete and esteemed educator, died peacefully on January 10th at the home of his youngest son Martin Perry in Brunswick, Maine, where he had made his home for the last five years.

Edward was born on July 16, 1924 in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, the son of Mabelle Estelle Dunlap and Edward Martin Perry. He graduated from Butler High School, joining the Army Air Force in 1943 and serving his country during WWII as a radio operator and gunner at the level of Technical Sergeant. After the war, Ed went west and attended Sacramento State College, where he was a member of one of the college's first graduating classes, becoming a star on the inaugural 'Sac State Hornets' basketball team. There he also met his loving wife Lorraine Bagdazian, popular student and member of the cheerleading squad. Lorraine predeceased him in 1973 after 24 years of marriage.

Ed was a long-time and extremely popular teacher at the Walnut Grove Elementary School in the Sacramento Delta area, awarded 'Teacher of the Year' in 1973 for the River Delta Unified School Dist. An innovative & enthusiastic educator, he inspired the love of learning in many generations of students, and developed a dynamic sports program at the school that empowered athletes of all abilities.

Together, Ed and Lorraine raised three children: Tamara Perry Church of Pleasant Hill California, Charles Edward Perry of Carmichael, California and Edward Martin Perry of Brunswick, Maine, who mourn their loss and will always hold dear their memories of a father whose self-sacrifice, humor and love were an inspiration to all who knew him. Joining them in mourning his death are Tamara's husband Mike Church, Charles' wife Karen James Perry and Martin's husband Henry D'Alessandris. In addition to his children, Ed leaves his devoted granddaughters, Sara and Kelsey Perry, brother William J. Perry and wife Lee, brother-in-law Ted Bagdazian and wife Janet, and many loving nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Edwards and his brother-in-law James Edwards. Ed is also remembered by his second wife Gail L. Teague of Walnut Grove and her son Dion Teague.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Walnut Grove Community Presbyterian Church, 14120 Grand Ave., Walnut Grove, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Edward L. Perry to: Walnut Grove Elementary School Athletics, P.O. Box 145, Walnut Grove, CA 95690. Condolences may also be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward PERRY

Not sure what to say?





January 19, 2013

It was late last year when I thought it was time to seek out Mr. Perry. It had been many years in the late 60s but clearly remembered him as an exceptional teacher who inspired students with his humor, energy, wisdom and drove an old but well loved classic. He opened our eyes and hearts to a world beyond our borders, of ancient times and peoples. I regret never having that chance to share with him my deep appreciation for his exceptional teaching abilities. He somehow made learning painless for countless seventh graders. We learned to work in committees, write reports, design exhibits which were invaluable skills and rewarding challenges. He will be remembered with much fondness. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Daisy Mah

January 20, 2013

Its hard to believe that come back when some one passes. All of mine are good ones,and to many to list. Mr Perry will always hold a special place in my heart. My condolences go out to his family. He will be missed by many.

Dean Donally

January 20, 2013

To The Perry Family, I met Mr. Perry when my parents bought his home on Andrus Island in 1974. I remember him telling us all the different things about the home. It was filled with so much love. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. He was a very special man.

Lisabeth Azevedo

January 19, 2013

Mr. Perry, Thank you for giving all of us a part of you. You have always been a wonderful man and you have instilled many with the natural calling you have been to all in life, being an educator.

Aaron Cowley

January 19, 2013

A very long time ago, before Title 9, there was Mr. Perry who encouraged me, and other girls, to participate in athletics and cheered us on. He thought I was crazy to run and jump barefooted, but was my loudest supporter all the way. Being my teacher wasn't an easy chore but you did it with fairness and a sense of humor that I always appreciated. You taught me life-lessons, not just "book learning", that I have always relied on. My sincere condolences to your family. You will be remembered fondly by all whose lives you touched.

From a Walnut Grove Class of 1965 student...

Debbi Hunt Sullivan

January 19, 2013

What an great teacher and neighbor in Walnut Grove....loved 7th grade as we all knew it was our year with Mr. Perry...he made social studies come to life!!!!!!!!!!

January 19, 2013

Wonderful memories come to mind when I think of Mr. Perry and his entire family...sleepovers in the attic room of their house, and his wonderful kindness and thoughtful teaching style and his daughter a best friend in high school......
. My sincere regards to the Perry family, who brought me so much joy and great friendship and who are always in my heart....

Sara Minor

January 19, 2013

Mr. Perry it was an honor to be one of your students, you will be missed,prayers to your family.

Greg Calhoun

January 19, 2013

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Edward PERRY's name

Memorial Events
for Edward PERRY

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Edward's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Edward PERRY's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more