David Joseph Perry

David passed away peacefully on December 26, 2021 after a very brief illness. He was the beloved husband of 64 years of Carole (nee Tilford.) and the loving father of Frank (Michelle), Joseph (Louiselle), Thomas, Loretta (John) and Barbara. Growing up, his 5 children and all their friends could count on David to spend endless hours preparing a backyard rink every winter and a swimming pool in the summer. He was the proud grandfather of 7: Melissa, Angela, Christina, Andrew, Kathleen, Lydia and Julia, and always enjoyed having them visit for a backyard BBQ and a swim. In addition, he instilled in them a passion for his beloved Toronto Blue Jays.

David will be fondly remembered for his great love of history and politics. His portable podium was always at hand so he could readily bestow history lessons on any and all willing ears. While reading was his primary passion, tinkering in his well equipped toolroom came a close second. David was always ready to lend a helping hand to fix your fence or check your car engine. His extensive knowledge of all things mechanical will be missed.

David had a strong work ethic which was evident in so many aspects of his life. While raising 5 children and working nights, he returned to school to complete an Honours B.A. at York University followed by a B. Ed. His sense of adventure began at a young age, when he travelled the world, working on a Canadian Merchant ship, upon his return he joined the Canadian Army Reserve, followed by work stints as a linesman all over northern Ontario. Soon after, he joined Bell Canada as a repairman, followed by several decades as a Data Transfer Technologist with Transport Canada. Always a strong proponent of union issues, he was involved for decades politically as a staunch NDP member. On the job, he advocated for fellow workers and their rights. David retired from the federal government in 1996.

David was the son of Joseph Perry and Catherine Dinan, born at home in Swansea. He was predeceased by sisters Catherine and Virginia, and by brothers Kenneth and Denis.

Special thanks to the staff of Centenary Hospital 9 West for their excellent care of David. A private family service will be held at Paul O'Connor Funeral Home at a date to be announced. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Mass cards or donations to Amnesty International, Doctors without Borders or the Canadian Cancer Society. Please leave messages of condolence here on the Paul O'Connor Funeral Home website.