Reginald H. Perry

PERRY, REGINALD H., 100, of Edgewood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Marjorie (East) Perry; daughters Susan Bousson of Santa Fe, NM, Patricia Polidor (Edward) of Rochester, NY; grandchildren Tracey Davidow (Steve) of Hamilton, MA, and Keith Polidor (Daniella) of Rochester, NY, three great-grandchildren; Charlie and Penelope Davidow and Mia Marjorie Polidor.

Born in Boston, MA, in 1907, he was the son of the late Frank B. and Ellen Louise (Barrett) Perry. He attended schools in Newton Center, MA; Technical High School in Providence; and Rhode Island State College, now the University of Rhode Island, class of 1931, where he majored in Electrical Engineering and received his ROTC commission. He also organized the first rifle team at the College. He attended the Small Arms Firing School at Camp Perry, Ohio, and was recommended as an instructor in small arms. He held a certificate in proficiency in anti-aircraft marksmanship and qualified as an expert rifleman.

As a Reserve Officer in the Coast Artillery, he was assigned to the 544th Coast Artillery Anti-Aircraft Regiment and had nine tours of active duty. During World War II, he served with the 68th and the 76th Coast Artillery Anti-Aircraft Regiments 1st Army, and a special assignment at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. After the War he was an agent for Connecticut Life Insurance Company for many years before opening his own general insurance agency. He retired in 1973.

He was a Trustee of the William H. Hall Library in Edgewood for 38 years. He was also Rhode Island State Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars for 22 years, and a life member of the U.S. Naval War College Foundation. He was also a member of the Church of the Transfiguration in Edgewood and was a past Trustee for the National Council of Churches.

His Funeral Service will be held Monday at 11:00am in the Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street, Cranston. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Pawtucket, RI. Calling hours respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Home & Hospice Care of RI, 169 George St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. Arrangements by the Jones-Walton-Sheridan Funeral Home. Info and condolences: www.jwsfh.com.