Obituary of Gordon J. Perry Sr.

NORWOOD—Funeral services for Gordon J. Perry Sr., 85, a resident of Lakeshore Drive, Norwood, will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood with Jane Peacock and Rev. Lee Sweeney presiding. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. to celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, compassion, and enduring family ties. Mr. Perry peacefully passed away at his home in Norwood on January 27, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family as he embarked on his final journey. Gordon is survived by his companion, Betty Besaw, Potsdam; his devoted children; Valerie (David) Mooney, Norwood; Tammy (Mark) Donovan, Norwood; Kimberly (John Sr.) LaShomb, Raymondville; Denise Perry, Norwood and Gordon Jr. (Rebecca) Perry , Madrid. Gordon's impact further extended across more generations as his spirit lives on through the cherished memories he created with his grandchildren, Christina (Matt) Brosius; Jennifer (Jesse) Clark; Angela (John) Dross; Nicole Carr; Mark Donovan Jr.; Danielle (Chris) Briggs; Brittany (Bryan) Brock; Ashley (Jeremey) Montgomery; John LaShomb Jr.; Brandon LaShomb; Corey (Heather) Matthie; Michael (Red) Matthie; Justin (Katelynn) Perry and Tyler Perry as well as his great-grandchildren. Gordon is also survived by two brothers, Glendon (Elaine) Perry, Norwood and Stephen Perry, Waddington; two sisters, Diane Goldie, Newton Falls and Donna (Richard) Searles, Norwood; a sister-in-law, Patricia Perry, Waddington as well as several nieces and nephews. Gordon is pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Eileen and a brother Gary. Gordon was born in Norwood on May 14, 1938 to the late Armond and Eleanor Greenwood Perry and married his childhood sweetheart, Eileen Foster on July 15, 1961. Gordon's influence was enduring and profound. As a devoted employee at Alcoa for more than 35 years, he was affectionately referred to as "Big John" and left several lasting memories and stories surrounding his unparalleled strength. Prior to his career at Alcoa, he proudly helped build the St. Lawrence Seaway and was the first person to test one of the locks, in a rowboat nonetheless. Outside of his career, Gordon will be remembered for his love for boating, experiences traveling alongside family and his tremendous carpentry skills; including the handmade gifts he created and the homes he designed and built. In addition to his roles as a loving husband, father and grandfather, Gordon was a friend to many and a pillar in the Norwood community. His warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Many knew Gordon as a member of the Norwood United Methodist Church, Hometown Cruisers and Golden Agers. Others had the fortune of being greeted with a warm smile around town, such as at the Hometown Café for a donut or a "damn good meal." In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley in Gordon's memory and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com. The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Gordon J. Perry Sr.