Paul A. Perry

Paul Arthur Perry, age 95, longtime Concord resident, passed away at home on August 31, 2022. At age 23, Paul married his sweetheart, and love of his life, Ruth (Bemis) Perry from Amherst, MA. The couple had just barely celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on August 27, with their daughter, Elaine, and dear friends.
Paul was born in Pittsfield, MA on January 15, 1927, as the son of the late Clair and Christine (Shankland) Perry. After serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, Paul worked in Pittsfield as a sports reporter for the local radio station, WBEC. He then accepted a job at the Worcester telegram, where he covered a variety of areas, but his favorite was education.
Not only was Paul good at putting words together, but he also had a quick mind and an ambitious streak. It was this latter that encouraged him to later apply for a summer scholarship at Harvard Graduate School of Education. There, he thrived in the academic world and was quickly noticed by the Administration. He was offered a full-time position at the Graduate School of Education, which began as an Administrator, and, overtime, gradually morphed into a marketer and fund raiser at the University. Given his exemplary gift as a wordsmith and writer, this was a happy combination.
After several successful decades in a career that he loved, Paul worked for several companies, and spent some memorable moments at Oprah Winfrey's organization, A Better Chance.
Throughout life, Paul gave generously of his time, energy and kindness in the community. Both he and Ruth volunteered in their church, as well as for MCI/Concord Prison Visitors Program. For many years, he worked with the Council on Aging delivering Meals on Wheels and providing tax preparation for Seniors.
After formally retiring, Paul returned to his musical roots to play jazz clarinet, saxophone and flute for a variety of local ensembles. Even into his nineties, following two separate hip surgeries and weeks of Physical Therapy, he took great delight in playing with the appropriately named Band, "Yankee Stompers."
Paul was a man who took immense joy from surrounding himself with family and all the pets who graced his life over the years. He and Ruth were fortunate to also enjoy traveling the world to such destinations as Bermuda, Canada, France, England, Hawaii and Tahiti. His dedication to Ruth, wonderful sense of humor and enthusiasm for life will be long remembered and profoundly missed.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind a daughter, Elaine Carmack of Cape Coral, FL and was the father of the late Steven Paul Perry. He was also the proud grandfather of Elaine's daughter, Francoise Mitchell, and the even prouder great-grandfather of Preston, Dawson, and Sidney, who all make their home in Valencia, California.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may go to Actor Leo Grillo's 'Dedication & Everlasting Love to Animals Rescue' the largest care-for-life animal sanctuary of its type in the world.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.