Arthur A. Perry

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Arthur Anthony Perry, 71, formerly of Oak Bluffs, died on December 6, 2012 in Reno, Nevada, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. The dedicated physicians and nurses at the Reno Veterans Hospital cared for Arthur.

Born and raised in Oak Bluffs, Arthur had fond childhood memories, including diving for coins with his friends as the ferry came into the Oak Bluffs pier. He attended the Oak Bluffs schools and graduated from the Oak Bluffs High School class of 1959.

Arthur joined the U.S. Army where be served our country for the next eight years, both in Germany and Vietnam, where he was injured several times during combat. Arthur rarely talked about his time in the service. On one occasion, however, he told the story of his Uncle Marvin, who wrote to him regularly. A number of letters from his uncle arrived all at the same time. With no time to read them Arthur stuffed them in his back pocket as he left on a mission. His tank came under fire and Arthur was hit with shrapnel on his back side. He would always say, as only Arthur could, “My Uncle Marvin saved my (rear end).” He was injured a few more times and was honorably discharged and awarded the Purple Heart.

Arthur was employed and retired from Com-Electric after many years of service. He was an avid golfer and a full member at Farm Neck. Winter golf was enjoyed at Myrtle Beach with his many friends.

Jessica and Arthur were together for 25 years before he relocated to Reno. They remained friends and he traveled frequently between the two places enjoying his grandchildren and nephews and nieces. Everyone looked forward to his visits and tales until his failing health prevented him from traveling.

He is survived by sisters Rita Sierpinski of Connecticut and Jane Pothier of Rhode Island; brothers Lester Perry of California and Edward Perry of Florida; and his former wife, Jessica Perry of Oak Bluffs. He also leaves stepsons Paul Bettencourt of Oak Bluffs, Mark Bettencourt and his wife, Becky Cournoyer Bettencourt, and grandsons Connor, Evan, and Roan, all of West Tisbury; his nephew David Pothier and his wife, Terry, and godson, DJ, also of Oak Bluffs. He will be missed by many other nieces and nephews throughout the country.

Arthur was pre-deceased by his parents, Irene and Lester Perry, his sisters Doris Maciel and Marilyn Gabut, brothers Robert Perry and Matt (Marvin) Perry, stepdaughter Theresa Bettencourt and niece Jena Pothier.

Graveside Ceremony with Full Military Honors will be at 11 am on May 3, at National Cemetery at Otis Air Force Base in Bourne.

Donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society by calling 800-227-2345.