1916 – 2003

WEST PARIS – Robert C. Perry, 88, of 42 Howard St., Mexico, passed away suddenly on Jan. 7, at the Ledgeview Living Center. He had been a resident there for seven months.

He was born in Groton, Conn., on Nov. 1, 1916, the son of Jessie W. Perry and Florence E. Holt Perry. He graduated from Mexico High School in June of 1935, where he enjoyed his music classes and playing the violin in different bands.

He worked at the Oxford Paper Co. from 1936 – 1937. He then traveled to Buffalo, N.Y., for Curtis Aircraft Corporation as a Certified Aircraft and Engine Mechanic, then transferred to Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1938.

He attended flying school in Lincoln, Neb., until 1941. He then enlisted with the United States Air Force and went to Amarillo, Texas, with the Army Air Force Technical School until 1944.

After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Mexico, where he worked at the Oxford Paper Co. until his retirement.

He met the former Mina Judkins at the paper mill and they were married shortly after that.

He was a proud member of the Rumford Chapter Blazing Star Lodge No. 30, Masons, continuing through his Past Master.

He loved his golden retriever, Rangeley. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle in the Rangeley region.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include sons, Timothy Perry of Peru, Dexter Perry and his wife Cindy of Mexico; daughter, Linda Howe and her husband Allan of Bethel; son, Jeffrey Perry and his wife Sharon of Rumford; grandchildren, Jeremy Perry, Troy Dayon, Adam Dayon, Erik Perry, Lisa Perry, Marybeth Austin, Lori Perry and Katie Perry; great-grandchildren, Ian, Caleb, Corey, Vanessa.