Obituary of George A. Perry Sr.

George A. Perry Sr., 86 of Clifton Park, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, peacefully in his home while surrounded by his loved ones.  Born in Watervliet, NY., George was the son of the late Charles and Clara (Woodnorth) Perry.  He was the devoted husband of Barbara Jean (Hofmann) Perry.  He graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1958 with a B.A. in Physical Education.  It was also there that he met the love of his life and soulmate, Barbara, whom he married on August 22, 1959.  They were married for 63 years. George later received both a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Administration and Policy from Syracuse University. 

George served in the U.S. Armed Forces and retired after 30 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Colonel.  After his initial Officer Candidate School, George was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and proceeded to serve his country while also becoming a teacher.  He was very proud of helping to lead the 1157th USAR School during his career that included over 11 years of active duty.

He started his education career in 1959 at Brookfield High School in Brookfield, NY (near Utica, NY) teaching physical education and science as well as coaching football, basketball, baseball, and track.  He won the 1963 NYS Basketball State Championship as a coach.

He moved to Hudson, NY to become the principal of Hudson High School from 1965-1968.  From there he took a promotion to become the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Cohoes City School District, serving from 1969-1973.  In 1974, he returned to his high school alma mater to become the Superintendent of Schools for the Watervliet City School District.  George helped lead Watervliet through both academic progress and enhancements to the facilities over his 17-year career.  He was very proud of all of the Cannoneers and the hard-working community.  He retired in 1992 from public school service after 33 years.

From 1992 to 2007, George was the Executive Director of the NYS Association of School Business Officials (ASBO).  He helped to mentor hundreds of school business personnel and took great pride in providing the members a quality program of support for all aspects of school finance.  He was a staunch supporter of public education and spent countless hours speaking on behalf of students.

In 2005, George became an investigator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation/BICS and worked providing background and support investigations for the FBI for a decade until his retirement.

Dad was a man of unyielding principles and generosity: love of family, support for his family and a willingness to help others.  He enjoyed vacations with his family, trips to Saratoga Race Track and passed along his love of baseball.  He was a proud member of the Albany Twilight League Baseball Hall of Fame, Rookie of the Year in 1955 and Batting Champion in 1956 with a .471 average.

George is survived by his beautiful wife Barbara, cherished father of Jill Ann Bush (Robert), George A. Perry Jr. (Jill Beth), David Perry (Heather); beloved grandfather of Andrew Perry, Nicholas Perry, Isabella Perry, George Perry III, Kaitlyn Perry; brothers David E. Perry, John (Jack) Perry, Joseph Perry; and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all friends and family who were part of George’s care team.  The family acknowledges the daily kindness and love provided by Jill Bush and Sarah Spraker and the support of Community HOSPICE.  Special thanks to Dr. John Pezzulo, Nicole Williams and the care team Rosalie, Stephanie, Colleen and Chaplain Michael for such wonderful care.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with George’s family on Friday, February 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Day Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Rd., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. A military burial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the Saratoga National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Dad in a special way may send a contribution to help support a scholarship at Watervliet High School c/o George Perry Scholarship, 66 Blue Jay Way, Rexford, NY 12148 or via https://gofund.me/1f13d7d6