IN MEMORIAM
Leonard D. ‘Bud’ Perry, 71;
Former County Highway Supt.
CHERRY VALLEY – Leonard D. “Bud” Perry, the former Otsego County highway superintendent and civic leader in this village, died Sunday, May 28, 2017, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was 71.
He was born in Cooperstown on July 11, 1945, the son of Donald S. and Marjorie (Vogelien) Perry. He grew up on Montgomery Street and graduated from Cherry Valley Central School, Class of 1963.
Bud was a 20-year exempt member of the Cherry Valley Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief, as well as first assistant and second assistant chief. He was also a retired member of the ambulance squad.
He also served as mayor of the Village of Cherry Valley for four years.
In 1980, he married Charlotte Maaser Wilson of this village. They resided on Montgomery Street, then moved to Mr. Perry’s residence on Quarry Street where they resided at the time of Bud’s passing.
Bud was step-dad to three daughters, Bonnie, Michele, and Cammie.
Over his lifetime, he worked for the village maintenance department, then Elmore Feed Co. in Cherry Valley, and Briggs Lumber Co. in Sharon Springs until the store closed.
In 1966, he joined the Otsego County Department of Highways, Forestry & Parks in Cooperstown, a job he held for the next 38 years. He worked his way up through the ranks and in August 1994 he was appointed deputy highway superintendent.
After five years as deputy, on July 6, 1999, he was appointed superintendent of highways in charge of 475 miles of roads, 86 bridges, and various county parks and forest land.
He was most proud of being the superintendent, as his father Donald S. Perry and grandfather Earl A. Perry were both Town of Cherry Valley highway superintendents for a combined total of 33 years. During his term as superintendent, the state Senate and Assembly acknowledged him as being a third-generation highway superintendent.
He was a member and senior lay-leader of the Roseboom United Methodist Church. In spring of 2015, Bud was appointed Cherry Valley village historian, a position he was very proud of.
Bud is survived by his wife of 37 years, three stepdaughters, Bonnie (John) Hren of Decatur, Michele (Bruce) VanDewerker of Cherry Valley and Cammie Wilson & Kathy Killarney of Andover, Conn.; his beloved grandchildren, Erin (Jeremy) Seeley, Curtis (Jessica) VanDewerker, and Jessica (Billy) Regg, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by various nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
Bud was pre-deceased by his parents, a great-grandson Landon Seeley, all his uncles, aunts,and grandparents.
Calling hours are noon-2 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Ottman Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at the Cherry Valley Cemetery with Rev. Ron Fralick presiding. Details are entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home of Cherry Valley.
In lieu of flowers Donations can be made in his memory to Roseboom United Methodist Church, Cherry Valley Historical Association or Susquehanna Animal Shelter.
