Peter Emerson Perry

WATERVILLE -- Peter Emerson Perry, 55, formerly of Dixon Terrace, Winslow, passed away July 22 at Oak Grove Nursing Home after a long and courageous battle with leukodystrophy.

Peter was born in Oconto, Wis., a son of Robert and the late Norma Perry. His family moved to the Waterville area when he was only 1. He attended local schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973 and the University of Maine in 1977, with an engineering degree. He married JoAnne Stanhope, of Portland, in 1977.

Peter worked for S.D. Warren, Somerset, for many years, then worked for Nalco as a principal consultant in the paper industry, until his illness prevented him from working in 2003. With that job he traveled to Europe, South America and Asia and would often call home to tell his nieces and nephews of his travels.

At home he loved working on his house and cars. He had a special joy of restoring old European sports cars, MGs in particular. He was an avid race fan and in his later years raced as a hobby. Pete was also a Red Sox and Patriots fan. He enjoyed special times with family and friends camping at Sebago and Moosehead lakes, and trips to Cape Cod.

He was also an avid reader with a special interest in books on African exploration. His quiet times were spent with his kitty friends, especially Jester, the explorer, who has gone on ahead, and Miss B, the sweet, who remained close in his final illness. Special memories of Pete will be his quick wit and dislike of all things bean -- green or otherwise.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, JoAnne; father, Robert, of Benton; brothers John Perry and wife Peggy and Andrew Perry and his wife, Beth, all of Winslow.

Peter is also survived by nephew Christopher Perry, his wife, Amy, and their children: Matthew, Grant and Mason of Florida; his sister, Kathryn Perry, of Bowdoinham; nephew James and his wife, Jen, of Ohio, and his sisters Alison and Andrea of Winslow; brothers-in-law Gary Stanhope of Arundel, Martin Stanhope and his wife, Teresa, of Topsham and their children: Nicholas and Kristin; special friends of the heart: Scott and JoAnne Hopkins and their children, Matthew and Hannah, most recently of Shapleigh; and Rick and Patsy MacInnes of Baltimore, Md., and their children Brian and Kate.

A special thanks to Dr. Clifton Smith and staff, and Dr. Anthony Pakiam for going the distance. To the staff at Oak Grove Nursing Home for their continued care and concern; and the staff and volunteers at HR Hospice who came in at the end and provided excellent care for both Pete and his family members during some difficult times.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Veilleux Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901.

Donations may be made to HealthReach Hospice, 10 Water St. Waterville, ME 04901.