Obituary of Leo J. Perry

Leo Joseph Perry passed away on March 13, 2024 in Fonda, New York.

Leo was born in Churubusco, New York on March 23, 1933 and grew up in Newcomb, New York.  He was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball at Newcomb High School.  He also played basketball on the Minerva Town Team and was an avid bowler in multiple bowling leagues in North Creek and Lowville.  He proudly shared photos, trophies and stories of his athletic accomplishments with his children and grandchildren over the years.  

Leo served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in December 1954.  While serving in Korea, he had the honor of being the chauffeur to the unit priest and served on the altar with him at Sunday Masses.  Upon discharge from the Army, he received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.   

For most of his life, Leo worked as a welder and laborer in the construction field.  He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 158 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 236.  He traveled for work wherever he was needed.  In 1970, while working for a construction company in Old Forge, New York, he purchased the Gaiety Theatre in Inlet and operated it with his wife, Marcia, and their children for several years.  He renovated vacant space within the theater building to create a women’s clothing store, aptly named LeMar Boutique, which was run by Marcia and their daughters. In the 1980’s, he started the Perry Construction Company and, with his son Scott, developed land and built many of the houses on Perry Lane and Pilling Drive in Fonda.  He also served as the Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Mohawk during that time.  

In the 1990’s, he converted the former auction barn and property on Route 67 in Johnstown into the 19th Hole Golf Driving Range, where he had the pleasure of meeting many interesting people while managing both the indoor and outdoor ranges.

Leo had an abundance of love and pride for his family.  Every decision he made was with his family in mind and how it could benefit them.  He also cherished his friendships, which included his brothers, neighbors and coworkers.  He coached the Fonda Babe Ruth Baseball team with his close friends, Joe Campbell and Don Thum, and had several successful seasons.  

He meticulously restored antique and classic cars and trucks.  Leo also loved to cook.  He enjoyed hosting neighborhood outdoor breakfasts and backyard barbecues with family and friends, as well as getting a cup of coffee and "shooting the breeze" with his buddies in the mornings at Stewart’s in Fonda.

Leo was the first recipient of a high school diploma from the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District under the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs “Operation Recognition” Program, which paved the way for several other veterans after him to also receive a diploma.  This was a source of tremendous pride for Leo.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, Wesley Perry and Zoe Perry; his sisters Beulah Youngs and Lela Paquette; and his first wife, Betty Jane (Bouchard) Perry.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia (Souva) Perry; his brothers, Robert Perry (Carol) and Eugene Perry (Glenda); his children, Debi Wendell (David), Cindy vanVoorst (Mark), Cindy Hayes (Alex Virgilio), Anthony Mahar (Mary Ann Blowers), Suzanne Hall (Gary), Scott Perry (Kristine) and David Perry (Hillary).  He is also survived by grandchildren, Noel Egelston, Reid Egelston, Michael Hanson, Peter Buanno, II, Jennifer Keller, Nathan Hayes, Ryan Hayes, Derek Hayes, Allison Zippiere, Patricia Sweet, James Hall, Tyler Hall, Joshua Perry, Dylan Perry and Mila Perry.  Leo was also blessed with 23 great grandchildren and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nursing staff at St. Mary’s Acute Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Unit, the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice, his home health aide Christina Chest, and Father Juanito Asprec.  To his family, friends and neighbors, please know that he held a very special place in his heart for all of you, and he valued the time he spent with each of you.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger and Stewart Family Funeral Home, at 15 Main Street, Fultonville, New York.  At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours.  A Celebration of Life in Leo’s honor will take place later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Cecilia’s Church of Fonda, Sacred Heart Church of Tribes Hill, Mountain Valley Hospice, or VFW Post 942 in Fonda.