Edward L. “Ace” Perry

Edward Leo Perry, 87, of St. Petersburg FL, formerly of Norwich CT and Oak Bluffs, MA, passed away on February 28, 2019 at the Bay Pines VA Hospital. Born on November 27, 1931 to Lester and Irene (Roberts) Perry in Norwich, CT. He was raised on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Oak Bluffs, MA.

He graduated from Martha’s Vineyard High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably during the Korean War. He later worked at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton CT as a Radiation Control Supervisor. He moved to Florida in 1969 and worked a long distance truck driver for several local businesses.

He was an avid Hydroplane Racing Fan. He would spend many hours working on the hydroplanes getting them ready to race all up and down the eastern seaboard. He had many trophies to show how well he did with his hobby. He would also maintain and race boats owned by friends. Racing was his passion. He had his pilot license and enjoyed flying the small 2 seater planes. He enjoyed “buzzing’ the beaches on Martha’s Vineyard when his family was on the beach, just to say hi.

He belonged to several different organizations during his life, the Eagles, Elks, Masons, American Legion and the American Power Boat Association.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Robert, Matthew, Arthur and sisters Doris Maciel, Marilyn Gabot and Rita Sierpinski.

He was previously married to Stella (Leighton) Dawley of CT and Esther Perry of NY.

He is survived by his children Joyce (Thomas) Weber of Preston CT, Debra Roberts of Portland OR, and Edward (Misty) Perry of Griswold CT; brother, Lester Perry of CA and sister, Jane Pothier of RI. He also is survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A service with Military Honors will be held on Friday May 3, 2019 10:00 a.m. at the Bay Pines National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, Bay Pines FL or to a charity of your choice.