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Thomas Vieira Perry, Jr.
Sept. 24, 1952 April 4, 2010
perry tom
Tom Vieira Perry was born in Ceres, Calif. to Thomas and Mary Perry on Sept. 24, 1952. His father passed at a early age and so the children, along with their mother, worked the family dairy in Denair. He attended Gratton School and graduated from Hughson High in 1969. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and was sent to Vietnam. While in the military, he was trained in engine repair, which after his return home became his life work.
He was employed at Guyett Motors in Turlock, Fireside Dodge in Modesto, Weil Motors in Lodi, Turlock Auto Plaza and Acme Electric in Turlock.
He had an unmatched gift for anything mechanical. He was a five star master technician and in 1987, received the top technician of the Western United States from Chrysler/Daimler Corporation. It has been said many times that if it has a motor, then Tom Perry can fix it, and he did.
Tom’s greatest joy came when he met the love of his life, Julie Perry.
The day they were married Tom said was the happiest day of his life, and everyone there that day could see it on his face. Over 26 years, Tom and Julie raised four beautiful sons: Tom Perry III (Roxanna), Brian Perry (Tarryn), Matthew Perry (Ambur) and Johnathen Perry (Virginia). Having four rowdy boys, along with all their buddies, the house was never quiet and Tom enjoyed it. He was the president of the Ceres Cowboys, he coached both football and baseball in Ceres and Hughson for over 20 years.
After the boys had grown, Tom found a new passion for helping others through the Turlock Moose Lodge, where he served as governor for the last two years. He helped raise much needed funds for elders and children. Every function at the lodge you would find him working and always staying late to make sure the lodge was clean and ready for the next day’s event.
Though he carried much of the workload on his shoulders, he never stopped reminding all of us that a burden, when carried by many, is light. Tom’s passion to help others came from his love of family. He adored his children, nieces and nephews, but all seemed to pale in comparison when he became a Papa to Elijah, Jaycee, Annalyse, Abigail and baby Paige Marie. He enjoyed every second with his grandchildren.
The time, effort and energy that he gave to his children their friends, his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and children he never even met through his tireless donation of his life’s work has left behind a legacy of love that will live on through the generations.
His life was truly a testament to honor, courage, love, compassion and commitment that can be seen in the eyes of his children and grandchildren. He will be so deeply missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Perry of Modesto; siblings, Mary Jackson (Bill) of Turlock, Cathy Perry of Alaska, Manuel Perry (Terry) of Modesto, Betty Perry of Arizona, Antone Perry (Cheryl) of Waterford, John Perry of Modesto and Barbara Mahan of Georgia. Also, Lee and Anita McCabe, KC and Brenda Stouffer, Michele James, Michael McCabe and Linda Lail.
He was a member of the Turlock Moose Lodge, American Legion, VFW, NRA, Ducks Unlimited and Waterfowl Association.
Remembrances can be made to the Destiny and Isaac Toy Drive fund, in care of the Turlock Moose Lodge, 4713 W. Main St., Turlock, CA 95382.
Visitation will be start at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 12 at Allen Mortuary with a recitation of the Rosary to follow at 7 p.m., also at Allen Mortuary.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock. A committal service will be held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.
Allen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.