Rodney (Rod) Perry, age 75, peacefully passed away on Monday December 4, 2023 at Adviniacare Wellesley Alzheimer’s Center in Wellesley, MA, following a more than decade’s-long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Rod was born on February 24, 1948, in Fall River, MA, the youngest of five brothers born to Richard and Frances (Browne) Perry.
Rod is survived by his wife Claire (Geoffroy) Perry of Franklin who he was married to for 52 years. He also leaves his four children: Suzanne Sheehy and her husband Michael of Westford, MA, Christopher Perry and his wife Renee of Millbury, MA, Jennifer Perry and her partner Scott Tidd of Blackstone, MA, Kimberley Perry and her partner Ryan Corbin of Walcot, VT; eight grandchildren: Kaden and Katie Sheehy; Keely, Peyton and Ciara Perry; and Dylan and Samantha Coste and Skylar Tidd; as well a his two older brothers Kenneth Perry and his wife Ginny of Wolfeboro, NH, Stanley Perry and his wife Janet of Mesardis, ME; and sister-in-law Janet Perry-Schaeffer and her husband LeRoy. He also leaves many extended family members, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.
He is predeceased by his parents, stepmother Lois (Babbit) Perry, and older brothers David Perry and Lawrence Perry and his wife Nancy.
After high school, Rod studied forestry at Paul Smith College in NY. He took an opportunity to study forestry at Aberdeen University in Scotland for one year, and finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry at the University of Massachusettes Amherst. The summer after graduating, Rod joined the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Officer stationed at Pease Air Force Base in NH. He also served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Upon completion of his military service, he went back to his love of horticulture and worked at Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton, MA for 32 years. At Weston, he worked various positions from field worker all the way up to Director of Commercial Operations. He was a co-founder and chairman of a local chapter of the National Association of Credit Managers and also was a member of the Board of Directors of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts.
Rod’s favorite pastime was golfing, no matter what the temperature. He even managed to get a hole in one at Bungay Brook in Bellingham. His other love was plants. He could often be seen moving shrubs from one location to another at any time, from spring to fall. He loved being outside.
Rod very much enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He helped them with all types of projects. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting and art events, and seeing all of their accomplishments.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Adviniacare Wellesley Alzheimer’s Center, where Rodney resided and was cared for during the last 8 years.
Calling hours in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St. Franklin, MA will be on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10am-12pm followed immediately by a short service at the funeral home at 12pm.
Interment with military honors will be at Fox Cemetery, Berkley, MA at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: Adviniacare Wellesley Alzheimer’s Center, Activities Department, 694 Worcester St, Wellesley, MA 02482.
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com