Obituary of Robert Perry

Robert Joseph Perry, a regional sales person for a number of pool distributors passed away after a very short battle with cancer on Wednesday morning, January 13, 2016. He was 67years old. Bob was born in Boston, the son of the late Margaret and Raymond Perry, Sr. At the age of 4 his father built a home and Burlington and moved his family to this quiet community. Bob was a graduate of Burlington High School, Class of 1966, New England School of Photography, and East Coast Aerotech. As youngster and young adult, Bob would assist his father, who owned Perry Pools. Bob learned everything about pools from his father along with the philosophy of treating your customers as if they were your friends. With those skills in hand, Bob worked in the pool industry for most of his life. He started with Bay State Pool in Cambridge and then worked for Zodiac Pool Supplies and FiberStars, which sold fiber optic pool lighting equipment. He spent much of his career as a salesman covering the North East Region of the United States which included Virginia all the way to Maine. He was a people person and had that special gift of being able to connect with customers and giving them the comfort that he was not just a salesman, but a friend. Zodiac Company saw Bob’s gift and asked his to share years of experience as their National Training Director. Bob was a proud Air Force Veteran serving for 4 years during the Vietnam War. He held the rank of Sergeant serving from 1966 to 1970. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. He continued his support for his fellow servicemen and veterans as a member of the Burlington American Legion where he was a member for 37 years and served on their Executive Board. He was a past member of the Minute Man Sportsman’s Club in Burlington, where he enjoyed skeet shooting. Bob was also an avid golfer. What Bob loved most were the times spent with his family and friends hosting backyard pool parties. He was the life of the party and always had an endless array of jokes and tricks he had learned from his days on the road. When he wasn’t entertaining his guests, he was at his grill making sure that everyone never left his home hungry or without a smile. Not only was Bob a great entertainer, he was a wonderful listener. He was genuine in his interest of others, their opinions, concerns, and in keeping up in their daily events. Bob was a special man who appreciated his family and friends and relished being a part of their lives. Bob was the loving husband to his wife Susan for 43 years. They enjoyed working around their home and maintaining their yard, taking care of their dogs and cats, vacationing, and sharing a special connection together. He shared a lifelong bond with his brother Raymond Perry, Jr. of Burlington. He was the brother-in-law of Peter Reagan, Ruthie Walsworth both of Dunstable and the late Rachel Perry. He was the proud and fun uncle of Karen (Perry) Danehy of Billerica, Brad Perry & his wife Joy of Palermo, ME, Scott Perry & his wife Allison of Lynn, and Patti (Perry) Gibbs & her husband Derek of Haverhill and grand uncle of Kyle & Nichole Danehy and Ava & Zackary Perry. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name may be made to People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.