Obituary of Alton Perry

Alton Perry Jr. April 3, 1929 - October 14, 2010 A Wonderful Life for a Wonderful Man! Alton Perry Jr. was born in Erie on April 3, 1929. He was one of six children born from the union of the late Alton Perry and the late Henrietta (Schwartz) Perry. He was a graduate of Monroe High School. Alton served his country honorably as a member of the United States Navy from April 5, 1946 until February 2, 1948. He married the love of his life the former Donna Jean Baker at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie on January 18, 1950. From this union came the blessing of seven children. In 1954, Alton began work for Consumers Energy as a Welder. His career would span more than forty years before his retirement. Alton lived by the motto: "Do what you have to do and get it done." He was always there to lend others a helping hand, and he never said no to anyone. He was a man known for his ethics and morals, a man of principles, but he was also easy going, loving and kind, a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed dancing, exercising, and golfing. Alton was a member of the Democratic Club and Erie Knights of Columbus, and a former President of the Erie Mason School Board and Erie Little League coach. Alton Perry Jr. age 81, a lifelong Erie resident passed away at 8:30pm, Thursday, October 14, 2010. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a brother: Frank and a sister: Judy. He leaves to cherish his memory a beloved wife of sixty years: Donna Jean of Erie; seven children: Paul (Sandy) Perry of Virginia, Sidney (Peter) Michealson of Oregon, Kathy Perry of Ann Arbor, Dennis (Melanie) Perry of Luna Pier, Dan Perry of Newport, Norine (Glenn) Wasielewski of Ohio, and Diane (John) Steinman of Erie; three siblings: Harold (Joanne) Perry, Dan (Joan) Perry, and Rosemary (Richard) Gasper all of California; eighteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 1:00-8:00pm, Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie. He will lie in state on Monday, October 18, 2010 from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street. Father Joe Steinbauer will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial.