BUCKSPORT – Leighton Elwin Perry passed away March 12, 2011, with his loving wife at his side at home. He was born Aug. 2, 1938, in Ellsworth, the son of Elwin and Virginia (Leighton) Perry.
Leighton graduated from Sumner High School and the University of Maine at Machias. He taught driver education at Bucksport High School for 15 years and middle school math for 25 years in Florida. He also owned State Street Grocery, Ellsworth, for five years. After retirement and ill health in Florida, Leighton and Barbara returned to Bucksport to be near family and friends. They spent the winter months with David and Valerie in North Carolina. Leighton was an excellent carpenter, who built tow homes and remodeled others. He was a happy, fun loving person who took great delight in making others laugh. Leighton pleased his father by becoming a Mason and a Shriner. He was a member of Elm Street Congregational Church. Leighton and his wife, Barbara, were inseparable soul mates and best friends for 35 years.
He is survived by his loving wife; his children, Lane of Florida, Scott and Patricia of Orrington and Megan of Nevada; and his stepchildren, Catherine Lee of Bangor, Richard and Kimberly Chase of Bucksport, Donna and Greg Doucette of Cumberland and David and Valerie Chase of North Carolina. He will be missed by his grandchildren, who showered him with love and joy, especially during his years of ill health, Naomi and Peter, Lucas and Cindy, Rachelle, Georgia, Elena, Adam, MacKenzie, Sam, Leo, Qasey, Ember, Bailee and Kylee; and great-grandchildren, Bailey and Alyssa. He is also survived by sister, Betti Curran of Topsham; a brother, Ernest and Wealthie of Biddeford; and stepparents, Dorothy and Bill Estabrook of Sorrento. Leighton had a special bond with Donna and Cindy, who assisted Barbara in care giving. Leighton was predeceased by his father and mother.
There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Elm Street Congregational Church, Bucksport, with the Rev. Linda A. Smith officiating. Gifts in memory of Leighton may be sent to Elm Street Congregational Church, P.O. Box 878, Bucksport, ME 04416 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 346, Augusta, ME 04332-0346. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Bucksport.