On the beautiful afternoon of August 28, 2026, just as his beloved New York Yankees were taking the field, Joseph James Perry, Sr., of Bethel, Connecticut, passed away, embraced in the love of his wife and children. Born in New York City on March 8, 1938, to Sicilian immigrants, James Perry and Rose Pasqua Perry, Joe always considered himself lucky to be the youngest child in a family of eight cousins, who all lived in the same apartment building on Amsterdam Avenue and 136th Street. Nicknamed "Gee-Joe" in this warm family, he was brought up on large Sunday family meals, constant hugs and affection, and an abundance of optimism, kindness, and encouragement; which he paid forward throughout his life.
With a hint of the Hudson River visible from his childhood bedroom window and the hustle and bustle of "Vinegar Hill" outside his front door, Joe was a native New Yorker through and through. He played baseball and rode his bicycle through the neighborhood with lifelong friends, James Silva and Billy Broderick, attended concerts at Lewisohn Stadium, was a parishioner at Church of the Annunciation on Convent Avenue, listened to the New York Yankees win multiple World Series on the radio, learned the streets of Manhattan as a flower delivery boy, earned a BS degree at Baruch College, worked for decades in the Financial District, and ensured that his children experienced the special magic of Christmas in New York.
On January 16, 1965, Joe married fellow New Yorker, Marilyn Anllo, in the Lady Chapel at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Despite the blizzard that day, Joe and Marilyn navigated more than 60 years of marriage and partnership, raising their family in the Bronx, on Long Island, and in Bethel, Connecticut, since 1980. Joe was a proud father and his children always felt that, as well as his love, whether it was in his presence at an important event, a pick-up from college, or a backyard barbecue to spend time with grandchildren. They admired how this city boy adapted to country life, becoming a joyful observer of animals and a dedicated caretaker of the lawn, trees, and plantings at his home.
Joe ran his own local business for more than 20 years in the Danbury area and was a member of the Danbury Rotary Club, where he earned several awards. Just like he had done in his hometown, Joe grew to know every nook and cranny of the Danbury region and made many friendships. His children always marveled that wherever they went, someone they'd never met before always knew their Dad.
Joe was pre-deceased by his loving siblings, John, Fanny, and Mary. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Marilyn; and his children, Jennifer A. Perry (Robert), Jeanne-Marie Hudson (Paul), and Joseph Perry, Jr. (Karen). Joe's greatest joy in life was his eight grandchildren: Hannah (Kurt), Emilia, Nathaniel, and Ethan Hudson, and Andersson, Benton, Calder, and Lilia Perry. He danced with them, sang to them, made them laugh, attended their sporting events, performances, and milestones; and always told them he loved them to the moon and back. They will carry on Grandpa's annual family sing-along of Christmas carols.
Joe is also survived by his dear first cousin, Helen Pellicer; and many adoring cousins, nieces, and nephews, who will miss the twinkle in his blue eyes, his corny jokes, and his many kindnesses to them and their families. His grand-dogs, past and present, brought him many fun and happy moments.
Joe's family wishes to pay special thanks to many of the caregivers at Lutheran Home of Southbury, where he spent the final year of his life. Their care and friendship will never be forgotten, especially Cheryl, Jeannett, and Kelly, who were with him from his first day until his final moments. Special thanks also to Lutheran Home's Father Leo, who offered great comfort.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Church, Bethel, CT, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10 am. Donations, in Joe's memory, can be made to the Alzheimer's Association : https://Alzheimer's Association .