Robert F. Perry

Robert Floyd Perry, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, while residing at the VA Community Living Center in Wilmington, Delaware. He was born on May 23, 1933, in Wilmington, proudly “born and bred a Wilmington boy,” and lived his entire life in Delaware. After graduation from P.S. DuPont High School in 1952, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. The Esprit de Corps was central to who he was. Bob will be laid to rest at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware.

Bob built a full life alongside his beloved wife Ethel “Bunny” Perry, to whom he was married for 62 years before her passing on December 16, 2018. Together, they created a home filled with family, laughter, and community. Bob and Bunny were married on November 6, 1954. They raised their four children (Bob, Russ, Karen, and Kim) in a home that was always filled with family gatherings, sporting events, weekends at Fenwick Island, holiday celebrations, and legendary summer crab feasts. Christmas, especially, was a cherished and heartfelt family tradition. Bob was known for being easy to like, for his direct nature, and love of conversation. In his Hockessin neighborhood, Bob was always helping others—mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and lending a hand whenever needed. Many came to expect seeing him seated on his doorstep, waving and greeting passersby, a familiar and comforting part of the daily routine. He deeply valued his consistent Friday visits with his brother Charlie, who always showed up with a quiet and steady presence. Fridays were a source of normalcy for Bob, and when he became ill and was confined to the VA hospital, Charlie showed up even more often, becoming a constant presence at his side.

Bob often said he would not choose to live in any other period of time. He had seen the Great Depression, a man walk on the moon, and the world change through the rise of technology, and he meant it when he said he was glad to have lived when he did. He took life as it came and had no interest in wishing for another time. He was certain of his opinions and rarely doubted that he was right. He was committed to serving others, especially family, and he was deeply committed to showing up when it mattered. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, taking genuine pride in their accomplishments and speaking of them often. He faced life’s challenges with determination and humor. After losing his wife, he endured significant medical hardships, including a below-the-knee amputation. Through perseverance, he relearned daily routines, proudly “got a new leg,” and returned home to live independently. His frequent yelling—mostly due to not wearing his hearing aids, and perhaps a bit of selective hearing—became a family joke, often met with eye rolls and laughter.

Although his military service was brief, his choice was a commitment to an oath he never forgot. He later enjoyed a long and proud career with Amtrak/Conrail, retiring after 44 years of service. Never one to sit still, Bob continued working in retirement at Tom’s Seafood and Produce Market, where he enjoyed interacting with customers and making deliveries. He was deeply committed to his community, as a 32nd Degree Master Mason and a Shriner, holding membership in the Valley of Wilmington, Ancient Accepted Scottish and York Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and LaFayette Lodge No. 14 A.F. & A.M., where he was a member since 1961. He was also a Life Member of Elks Lodge No. 307, joining in September 1963, proudly supporting his home town for over 60 years.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Stewart Russell Perry and Anna Elizabeth Perry; his son Robert F. Perry, Jr.; his beloved wife Ethel Perry; his sister Winifred C. Erickson; and his brother Russell A. Perry.

He is survived by his brother Charles Perry and sister-in-law Rae Perry; nieces Shanon and Caitlyn, and their husbands Phil and Kevin.

He is survived by his daughter Karen Harsha and son-in-law Bruce Harsha; grandchildren Lauren Harsha and Shelli Worley and husband Seth.

He is survived by his son Stewart Russell Perry and daughter-in-law Donna Perry; grandchildren Megan Fero and husband Matthew Fero, Matthew Perry and wife Courtney Perry, and Emily Quinn and husband Michael Quinn.

He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Altmaier and son-in-law Michael Altmaier; grandchildren Lexi Mann and husband John, and Brianna Altmaier.

Making him most proud were his 13 great grandchildren.

Bob will be remembered for his strength, certainty, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. He lived fully in his time, stood firmly in his beliefs, and made sure those he loved were always taken care of. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Hwy Wilmington, DE 19805 or the Elks Lodge 1310 Carruthers Ln. Wilmington, DE 19803.