HARDWICK– Brian Leslie Perry, 76, a long-time member and businessman in the Hardwick Community died peacefully on March 10 in the comfort of his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. His family was by his side.
He was born in Hardwick on December 13, 1947, the eldest of six children born to Francis and Eleanor (Riach) Perry. He graduated from Hardwick Academy in the class of 1966.
On June 7, 1969, Brian married his high school sweetheart, Donna Rae Williams at the United Church in Hardwick, where they also made their home and raised their family.
Brian was always a hard-working man. While in high school he worked as a farm hand for Noel Lussier. Following his education, he was employed by several businesses including Seward, and A.G. Anderson Concrete Co. in Waterbury for 18 years. Later, Brian started his own concrete and foundation business, Brian Perry & Sons Construction Inc., which he operated for 38 years. During that same time, he started a snow plowing and garbage removal service, which still serves Hardwick and many surrounding towns. Brian loved working and passed his work ethic on to his children.
He was a member of the United Church of Hardwick. He enjoyed wintering in Florida, auto racing, camping and large gatherings at his home with friends, but most of all he was a family man. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved their visits.
Survivors include: his wife, Donna R. Perry of Hardwick; seven children, Jeffrey (Tiffany) Perry of Hardwick, Jennifer (Steven) Deyo of Berlin, Dorothy Perry of Winston Salem, N.C., Elizabeth Perry of Hardwick, Holly Perry of Seaman, Ohio, Michelle (Aaron) Cochran of Hardwick and Lisa (Dave) Chalifoux of Cameron, N.C.; siblings, Bruce Perry of Stannard, Valerie (Bryan) Putvain of Bushnell, FL and Frances Miller of South Carolina; grandchildren, Jaden Perry, Jamon Perry, Jacob Perry, Ellery (Jessica) Packard IV, Emily (Shawn) Swallow, Madison Deyo, Eric Gilman Jr, Ethan Lapierre, William Loebker, Cassidy Cochran, Breonna Cochran, Breadon Chalifoux, Brooklyn Chalifoux and Bristol Chalifoux; great-grandchildren, Chase Packard, Zoey Packard, Mackenzie Swallow, Peyton Swallow, and Benjamin Swallow due in July; and special family friends, Seamus O’Kelly, Madison Urie, Chelsea Hoadley, Paislee Judkins, Calum Judkins and Bethany Conway.
Brian was predeceased by a son, Richard “Ricky” Perry in 1988; his parents Francis and Eleanor Perry, and two siblings, Debbie Robarge, and Stephen Perry.
Visiting hours will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Friday, March 22, at the Hazen Union School Gymnasium, 126 Hazen Union Drive, Hardwick.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the United Church of Hardwick with Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters, officiating. A reception will immediately follow at American Legion Post No. 7 in Hardwick.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the United Church of Hardwick, P.O. Box 396, Hardwick, VT 05843, or to the Hardwick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, VT. 05843. Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com
