Joseph Michael Perry

Michael Gilbar, affectionately known as “Dappy”, 65, and his grandson Joseph Perry, 15, both of Jericho, Vermont, passed away on August 2, 2023, as a result of an accident while vacationing in Maine. Michael was born February 16, 1958, son of Donald and Lucille Gilbar. He grew up in Vermont and Massachusetts. He enjoyed learning about history and genealogy and he loved to travel to places that were rich in history. Most recently, he, his wife Ileen, and grandson Joseph, spent time exploring Italy. Michael married Ileen (LaPenna) on May 26, 1979. Together, they raised their two daughters, Tara and Erinn, at their home in Jericho. Michael worked in Purchasing for much of his career, first at Digital, and then at Wesco. He retired in 2021 and truly enjoyed his retirement job at Hannaford in Essex. Joseph was born on July 11, 2008, adored son of Thomas and Erinn. He was the light of their lives, and the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was into history like his Dappy; loved travelling; he spent time in Mexico and Italy with his grandparents. He recently completed his first Spartan Tri-fecta in Utah with his father and was ready for another upon his return home. Joseph was heading into his sophomore year at Mount Mansfield Union High School. He just started driving in July and was doing an amazing job. Joseph was smart, kind, witty, patient and understanding; he was wise beyond his years. Michael and Joseph spent a lot of time together, whether it be vacationing, boys nights out with Thomas, yard work, or helping neighbors. They both were known for always being willing to lend a hand. They were kind-hearted, giving men, who loved their friends and family fiercely. In the words of Joseph Perry, “we will get through this together.” Michael is survived by his wife Ileen, daughters Tara Gilbar and Erinn Perry and best friend Thomas Perry. He is also survived by his brothers, Dan Gilbar (Stacy), Bob Gilbar (Dot) & Thomas Gilbar (Annie), sisters Donna Reese and Tracy Hulbert (Dan), brothers-in-Law Brian LaPenna (Tammy) and Michael LaPenna (Alynn) and sister-in-law Patty LaPenna Wigmore, step-sister Sheila Cavanaugh (Shannon), and step-mother Jean Gilbar, as well as many amazing nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Kenneth. Joseph is survived by his ever-loving parents, Thomas and Erinn Perry and best friend and grandmother, Ileen Gilbar; his paternal grandparents Luke Perry and Julie Perry. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, “Auntie” Tara Gilbar, Curt “Uncle Curtie” Perry, Danny Perry, Luke Perry Jr, David Perry, Tyrone Perry, Camisha Perry and Tameika Perry, as well as many great aunts, uncles and cousins and his amazing friends. A celebration of life for Michael and Joseph will be held this fall.