Leon L. Perry

Leon L. “Pop” Perry, 85, died Nov. 17, 2016, at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center, after a long illness.

He was born Nov. 10, 1931, the son of Leon A. and Christine (Brown) Perry.

He graduated in 1949 from Springfield High School where he was a member of the 1948 state football championship team. He graduated from Castleton State College with a bachelor’s degree in education and then from Boston University with double master’s degrees in education and administration.

Mr. Perry’s 40-year career in education included as a teacher, guidance counselor, director of guidance and vice-principal, and at Chester High School, Bellows Falls High School and Springfield High School, schools where he coached basketball and football and each dedicated a senior yearbook to him. After retiring from education, he was president of Great Brook Furniture until it was sold.

He married his wife, Mary, Aug. 25, 1962, in Bellows Falls. In 1984, they purchased Pierce-Barton Travel which she ran until they sold the agency in 2005.

An avid hunter and trapper in his youth, he later enjoyed golf and tennis and was known for his storytelling.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Christian Perry of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a daughter, Pamela Perry of Littleton, Colorado; two granddaughters and two nieces.

Mr. Perry was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Gates, on May 28, 2016, and a sister, Agda Newell.

The memorial service and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Hospital, P. O. Box 2003, Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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