Donald “Donnie” Perry, of Damariscotta, passed away at home, with his family by his side, on the evening of Aug. 13 after a stubborn, hard fought battle with stomach cancer. Born on Dec. 24, 1945 in Damariscotta, he was the son of the late Woodbury and Gladys Perry.
Donnie graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1964 and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in April of 1965. After his stint in the Coast Guard, he worked for various contractors in the area before obtaining his Master Plumber’s license, and starting his own successful plumbing business. In 2001, he decided to change careers and went to work for Colby & Gale in Damariscotta. That was a job he greatly enjoyed, and he only stopped working because of his failing health.
Donnie was very involved with the Wells-Hussey Post 42 American Legion in Damariscotta, having held most offices including Post Commander. He was extremely proud to have been recognized in 2000 as the State of Maine’s “Legionnaire of the Year.”
He was passionate about working in his yard, growing (and moving) his many flower gardens. He also loved being on his tractor working as the unofficial “Road Commissioner” of Paradise Lane.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Nancy (Woodward) Perry of Damariscotta; son, Christopher Perry and wife Jill of Damariscotta; daughter, Jana Hall and husband Arnie of Jefferson; much-loved grandchildren, Morgan and Quincy Perry, and Maia and Trevor Hall; and sisters, Joyce Johnston, Lorraine Bearce, Carolyn Thompson, Sally Smith and Diane Russell, all of Damariscotta.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Mon., Aug. 19 at the Wells-Hussey Post 42 American Legion Hall in Damariscotta. His ashes will be buried in a family cemetery on his son’s property in Damariscotta at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Lincoln Academy, c/o Development Office, 81 Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553 to go towards the building of the new Tech Center. Don firmly believed that more students should have “hands on” training to learn a trade.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
