ROCKLAND – Warren T. Perry, 91, died February 8, 2022, in the comfort of his home, with his wife and step-daughter at his side, following a five month illness.
Born in Rockland, November 27, 1930, he was the son of Alden T. and Helen F. Gregory Perry. Educated in local schools, he was a 1950 graduate of Rockland High School.
At the age of 13, Warren began working with A.T. Thurston Contractors in Rockland where he worked more than 21 years. He later owned and operated W.T. Perry Electric in Rockland more than 35 years.
He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran.
Always active in the community, Warren served 12 years as a Rockland City Council member, and was the first elected Mayor, serving three years in that capacity. He was a member of the Aurora Lodge of Masons, the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies.
For more than 35 years, Warren and his crew wired the festival grounds for the annual Lobster Festival. He was a longtime active member of the Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, where he was member of the Board of Trustees and served as a Deacon. Having volunteered many hours on various maintenance projects, Warren was considered the unofficial “Clerk of the Works” for construction projects at the church. He served on the Rockville Cemetery Association and the Rockville Chapel Restoration Committee.
For more than 10 years, with his first wife Mae S. Anderson Perry, they considered their camper at Bickmore’s Beach in Warren, their summer home. Mae died June 6, 1990.
After being blessed with love again, on August 20, 1993, he married Diane V. Day in Rockland. They enjoyed many trips to Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania. After that first trip, Warren and Diane returned there many times and ultimately developed friendships with many of the Amish families in that area. In 2002, they hosted one of those families in their home for a ten-day vacation, introducing them to the mid-coast area.
For more than 25 years, Warren kept two prized Shetland ponies, Lady and Peanuts. He later had two miniature horses, Jack and Sam for 21 years. He was always pleased when he could introduce his equine friends to any interested children or parents as well.
Warren’s knowledge of Rockland history made him a go-to person for many seeking information about the local area.
For several years after retiring, Warren worked as a funeral attendant with Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins
Funeral Home, where his amiable personality and familiar face were a comfort to many.
Other than his parents and first wife Mae, Warren was pre-deceased by a son-in-law, Ronald Walsh in 2007 and a brother, Robert Perry in 2015. He is survived by his wife Diane of Rockland; a step-daughter, Cheryl Miller and her husband Keith of St. George; a brother, Arthur S. Perry of West Rockport; a sister-in-law, Jill Perry of Spruce Head, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Monday, February 21, 2022, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland. Face masks will be required. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 10, 2022, at Rockville Cemetery, Rt. 17, Rockport.
Warren’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Cancer Care Center at Pen Bay Medical Center, his Hospice nurse Karen Jackson and Hospice health aid, Kathy Flanders.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contribution to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102.