Gilbert (Gil) Perry, age 90, of Somerset died Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Somerset Ridge Center. A lifelong resident of Somerset, he was the husband of the late Madelyn (Goff) Perry. He was the son of the late Joseph S. and late Agnes DeCambra Perry and the brother of the late Edward Perry and the late Benjamin Perry. He leaves his three children: Stephen Perry and wife Susan of So. Kingstown, RI; Donna Klamkin and husband Steven of Fall River; and Jane MacNeil and husband Roderick of Waltham. He is also survived by his three granddaughters: Allison Klamkin of Fall River, and Casey and Brianne MacNeil of Waltham. He was the former husband and lifelong friend of Mildred A. Perry of Taunton, and is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caring administration and staff of Somerset Ridge as they became a true “second family” to Gil over the past 21 months.
He was the former proprietor of Perry Shell Service Station in Somerset for 35 years, and after retirement, worked for 31 years as a bus driver and office clerk/dispatcher for Fisher Bus Company. A US Army Air Corp Veteran, he served with the 437th Troop Carrier Group, 9th Air Force and served in the European Theater during WW II. He was the recipient of many medals and commendations during his years of service as a flight crew chief. After the war, he served in the US Air Force Reserves for 15 years as a squad photographer and as a flight mechanic/crew chief. He was active in many veterans and civic organizations in Somerset and served as a member of the Board of the Council on Aging. His hobbies included hunting, bowling, golf, fishing, camping on the beach and softball. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots. He was a varsity athlete at Somerset High School. As a bowler, he was one of the founders of the New England Bowlers Association and a member of the Professional Bowlers Association and participated in 40 National Bowling Tournaments throughout the country.
PLEASE NOTE THE SCHEDULE CHANGES IN GIL'S FUNERAL, DUE TO A SNOW STORM PREDICTED FOR SUNDAY.
His funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on TUESDAY at 9 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, Somerset at 10 A.M. Cremation to follow. Calling hours on MONDAY from 3-7 P.M. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either the Town of Somerset Veteran’s Department, 140 Wood Street, Somerset, Massachusetts 02726 or to the Somerset Ridge Center Activities Department, 455 Brayton Road, Somerset, MA 02726. www.rogersfuneral.com.