David Peter Perry

Cape Elizabeth - Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, David Peter Perry, of Cape Elizabeth, passed on September 7, 2023, at his home, at the age of 85. He was born in Albany, NY on October 6, 1937 to Henry and Winifred (Lynch) Perry. David attended the Vincentian Institute in Albany and Saint Michael's College in Colchester, VT. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and worked for the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon. David's almost 50 year career in the beer business began when he returned home to Albany and worked for the Schaefer Brewing Co. for many years. He also worked for Schlitz, Pabst and Coors Brewing, Maine Beverage and ended his long career with Nappi Distributors as VP of Sales; working full time until he was 73 years old. David's work took the family from New York to Maryland, Pennsylvania and finally to Maine in 1979. He absolutely loved his adopted home of Cape Elizabeth! David was well-respected and always had a kind word, and humble, generous nature. He was an avid reader, lover of history and political science (a proud, life-long Democrat!), current events, golf, the Patriots, the beach. The family enjoyed many summer vacations on Long Beach Island, N.J. with their larger, extended family and close friends. He also loved several trips to Ireland, New Orleans and often back to Albany. David was devoted to his wife of 59 years, Barbara (Healey) and they would often be seen together at their favorite spots. He was the best father and grandfather and took enormous pride in his grandchildren, their accomplishments and who they are as people. "Grampa", supportive and encouraging in every way, demonstrated how to be respectful, giving and kind always. He was the beloved "baby" brother to his sisters and when the siblings were together, they always laughed so hard, tears fell. David is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his son, David Jr., grandchildren Nicholas and Isabella, of Basking Ridge, N.J. and their mother, Kristin. Daughter Elizabeth and her partner Robert Tracy, of South Portland, also survive David, as do beloved grandchildren Michael and Margaret Herrick and their father, Mark. Also surviving, sister in law and brother in law, Judith and Richard Jones, Jr. of Mandeville, LA, nieces and nephews: Martin Russ, Karen Collen, Brian Russ, James McCaffrey, Mary Elizabeth McCaffrey, Thomas McCaffrey, Mary Anne Grice and Richard III and Christopher Jones. David’s dog Dolly is a much loved, loyal companion. David was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Elizabeth Russ and Anne McCaffrey, brother, Henry Jr., brothers in law, Donald Russ and James McCaffrey, and parents in law, William and Elaine Healey. He had a wonderful sense of humor and with the upmost grace and courage dealt with Parkinson's Disease for over 12 years, diagnosed only months after retiring. Parkinson's did not define David. Those who knew him adored him-always a smile and positive. He was a true gentleman in every way. Barbara and the family would like to acknowledge dear friends, Steve and Adrienne Murphy, Jennifer O'Sullivan, James Sweet, Donna and Philip Palmer, Warren Heiss, Dr. Mark Braun and his team and the Northern Light Home Hospice team, who have supported and helped in so many ways. Visiting Hours celebrating David's life will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 4-6PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth. To view David's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.givemichaeljfox.org