Robert A. Perry

Groton — Robert Alfred “Bob” Perry, 90, of Groton, passed away Friday, Oct.

27, 2023, surrounded by family at the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

He was born in New London on June 29, 1933, the son of Francis and Alice Louise Banta. He served in the United States Army in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. He went on to work at Electric Boat in Groton until he retired, then opened and ran Fresh & Clean Laundromat in Groton until 2007. He was also a former Groton Town Auxiliary Police Officer for 17 years, a former member of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department and a member of the Groton Elks Club.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou Perry (Kelley), of 54 years in 2010; his daughters, Catherine Perry-Post in 2017 and Victoria Perry in 2018. He is survived by his wife Vivian (Liam Fang Fei); his son, John Perry, and his wife, Maryann Lamothe-Perry; grandchildren: Jennifer Dixon, Craig Perry, Heather Wheeler, Stephanie Davis, Trisha Perry, Tyler Perry and Cody Hudnall; great-grandchildren: Anika Smith, Alex Smith, Damian Davies, Jayvyn Davis, Serenity Davies, Jeanette Cardoza and Jaxson Busch; as well as great-great-granddaughter Analeia Brewer.

He loved history and was an avid coin collector among other hobbies and interests. He was a pillar of the community and his service in Japan instilled in him a love for Japanese culture, which made way for hosting many Japanese exchange students over a decade.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.