BANGOR – Arthur E. Perry, 80, passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, at his home. He was born Aug. 25, 1928, in Brewer, the only son of Arthur Morris and Mary O’Hanlon Perry. He resided in Hampden on the Old County Road for 68 years before moving to Bangor in 1986. He graduated from John Bapst High School, Class of 1947 and the University of Maine, Class of 1951. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1988 and prior to that, spent many years in the building trades. In his free time, he enjoyed playing the piano, listening to jazz music, reading and gardening. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maxine (Swett) Perry; their six children, Jeffrey Perry of Bangor, Kathleen Perry of Bangor and Attleboro, Mass., Matthew Perry and his wife, Tricia, of Bangor, Paula Perry of Bangor, Galen Perry and his wife, Michelle, of Anthem, Ariz., and Barbara (Perry) Stranberg and her husband, John, of Boston; two special nieces, Mary Ellen (Swett) Therriault and family of Holden and Margaret Isabel Coopersmith and family of Bangor; a special nephew, Robert VanTassel of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Barbara Swett of Hampden; and a brother-in-law, Donald Swett and his wife and family of Howland. He leaves behind eight loving grandchildren, Molly and Michael Perry, Abigail, Mattie and Galen Perry, Darby and Emma Stranberg, and Sadie Mae Perry; and one very special little friend, Chloe Woodward. Numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, many of whom still reside in Hampden and Bangor, also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Agnes (Perry) VanTassel. The family extends their sincerest gratitude to Beth, Dolly, Kaileen, Margo, Connie and Tilly for their care and support throughout these past months. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor. Interment will be in the springtime. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St., Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
ARTHUR EDWARD PERRY
