Dr. Joseph Lawrence Perry (Perez), Colonel, U.S. Army, retired, died peacefully on April 9th, 2026, at his home in Pensacola, FL, with his loving wife by his side.

He was born in Woodbridge, NJ, in 1934, Dr. Perry graduated from St. Mary's High School, then earned a basketball scholarship to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. In 1959 he graduated from Seton Hall School of Dentistry, which began his lifelong vocation of caring for others. Soon after receiving his diploma, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served for 30 years with honor and distinction, earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals during his tour of duty in Vietnam. A three-time recipient of the Legion of Merit award, he became a prosthodontist, an educator to his colleagues, and ultimately the Commander of Dental Activity on bases and in areas where he was assigned. In 1994, he retired and moved with his wife to Pensacola, FL.

Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Rose Perez, Dr. Joseph Perry is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lenore Waseleski Perry of Pensacola and their children; Theresa Searls, Joseph Perry Jr., Thomas Perry, and Daniel Perry; their grandchildren, Mary Rolotti, Matthew Searls, Jonathon Perry, Fr. Daniel Perry, Gabriel Perry, Joseph Perry III, Emily Perry; and great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Eli, Thomas, Liam, Lucy and Ella Grace.

Deeply spiritual, Joseph Perry was a parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Pensacola. A strong, dedicated, and loving man, he treasured his life with Lenore, enjoyed laughter and song with his family and grandchildren, was passionate about travel and boating, and liked keeping fit, particularly on the handball court.

Visitation will begin at 10:30am, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Pensacola. The Rosary will be prayed at 11:00am followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30am. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station at 1:00pm.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and administrators of Gentiva Hospice as well as the staff of Comfort Keepers for the consistent, sincere, and respectful care they provided Dr. Perry during his final days. They also thank all those at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel for providing dignified, honorable services.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. https://benedictinesofmary.org/contact-us/

Sunset and evening star, 

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson