Joseph A. Perry Jr.

Born June 10, 1942, to the late Joseph A. and Frances I. (Vera) Perry, Sr., Joe spent his childhood on the west side of Norwich, CT. An athlete in high school, playing both football and baseball at Norwich Free Academy (NFA), Joe decided to join the military after graduating in 1960. He proudly served in the United States Army, during the Vietnam era from 1960-1963, and rose to the rank of Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Upon his honorable discharge, Joe joined the Connecticut State Police in 1964, and ascended through the ranks to serve as the Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, and Colonel of the CT State Police in 1993. As Colonel, Joe became the first African American person in the history of the Department to hold the position. While at the State Police, Joe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice, both from the University of New Haven. Joe also earned a Juris Doctorate from Western New England School of Law. After retiring from the State Police, Joe worked for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation for sixteen years, serving as the Chief of Public Safety, and subsequently Inspector General until 2011, when he officially retired.

As a member of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, Joe volunteered his time and talent, serving several terms as a Tribal Councilor and Tribal Treasurer. He also served on the Tribal Honor Guard, was a Tribal Ambassador and member of the Native American Heritage Advisory Council. In addition, he worked as an Eastern Connecticut High School football official for over 35 years. He was a Corporator for Backus Hospital and on the Board of Trustees and Corporator for his high school alma mater, NFA. He was also on the Chairman Criteria Committee at the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation. Joe was the recipient of numerous awards, including the CT Chapter of the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, the University of New Haven Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Southeastern CT Chapter National Football Distinguished American award.

Joe was an avid runner well into his 70’s, loved hiking, kayaking, and spending time in his yard tending the fish in his manmade pond. As basketball enthusiasts, he and Sharron were season ticket holders to both UConn basketball programs. His greatest pastime in retirement, though, was spending time with his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Affectionately known as Grandpa, Joe was most happy being silly with them, taking them on outdoor adventures, and watching them achieve their educational and athletic pursuits.

Joe and Sharron raised their family in Uncasville, CT. In addition to Sharron, Joe is survived by his daughter Stacey Jarvis, and husband Nate of Norwich, CT, his daughter Andrea Perry of Boston, MA, and his son Shawn Perry of New London. He is also survived by his brother Peter Perry and wife Barbara of South Windsor, CT, his sister-in-law Eloise Perry of Lisbon, CT, and several loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joe is predeceased by his brother Tom Perry of Lisbon, sister Justine Miller of Norwich, and his son-in-law Paul Lewis of Boston.

Visitation for Joseph will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St, Norwich, Connecticut 06360. A Visitation will be Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Madry Temple Church, 25 Manwaring Street, New London, Connecticut. Funeral service will be Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Madry Temple Church, 25 Manwaring Street, New London, Connecticut. Burial will follow Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Tpke., Norwich, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The NFA Foundation- General Scholarship Fund, 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360

https://www.nfafoundation.org/givefornfa/make-a-gift