Dewey H. Perry Explained

Dewey H. Perry
Office1:United States Marshal for the District of Vermont
Term Start1:March 14, 1954
Term End1:August 2, 1961
Predecessor1:Edward L. Burke
Successor1:Thomas W. Sorrell
Office2:Sheriff of Chittenden County, Vermont
Term Start2:February 1, 1943
Term End2:March 13, 1954
Predecessor2:J. Frederick Lynch
Successor2:Charles R. Barber
Birth Date:6 June 1898
Birth Place:Westford, Vermont, U.S.
Death Place:Colchester, Vermont, U.S.
Restingplace:Fairview Cemetery, Essex Junction, Vermont
Party:Republican
Spouse:Irene Mae Thibault (m. 1929-1970, his death)
Education:Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, Connecticut
Occupation:Restaurant owner
Public official

Dewey H. Perry (June 6, 1898 - October 21, 1970) was an American law enforcement officer from Vermont. He was most notable for his service as United States Marshal for the District of Vermont from 1954 to 1961.

Early life

Dewey Howard Perry was born in Westford, Vermont on June 6, 1898, the son of Charles M. Perry and Etta (née Howard) Perry.[1] He attended public schools in St. Albans, Fairfax and Underhill Vermont, and Holliston, Massachusetts.[1] He graduated from Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Connecticut.[1] [2] In 1917, he returned to Vermont to accept employment with American Express in Essex Junction, Vermont.[1]

Career

In 1926, Perry accepted a position as a special agent for the Central Vermont Railway, a position he held until 1930.[1] From 1931 to 1941 he was the owner and operator of the Depot Restaurant in Essex Junction.[1] In addition to managing the restaurant in partnership with his wife, Perry served as Deputy Sheriff of Chittenden County.[3] A Republican, in 1942 Perry won the election for Sheriff.[1] He served in this position until 1954.[1]

Perry resigned as sheriff in order to accept appointment as Vermont's U.S. Marshal, succeeding Edward L. Burke.[1] He served until 1961, and was succeeded by Thomas W. Sorrell.[1] After leaving the marshal's office, Perry was appointed chief of the Essex Junction Police Department.[1] He served as chief until 1968, after which he was appointed as the department's dispatcher.[1] Perry retired in November 1969 and resided in Essex Junction.[1]

Death and burial

In his final months, Perry suffered from a long illness.[1] He died at the hospital in Colchester on October 21, 1970.[1] Perry was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Essex Junction.[1]

Personal life

In 1929, Perry married Irene Mae Thibault (1904-1982).[4] [5] In addition to his wife, Perry was survived by an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin.[1] He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Ethan Allen Club, Lions Clubs International, and Shriners.[1] As a member of the Freemasons, Perry advanced through the Scottish Rite's ranks to attain the 32nd degree.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: October 22, 1970 . Dewey Perry, Long-time Area Police Officer, Dies . . Burlington, VT . 6 . Newspapers.com.
  2. News: June 12, 1915 . Tenth Annual Concert by Academy Orchestra . . Norwich, CT . 7 . Newspapers.com.
  3. News: February 2, 1943 . Sheriff Lynch is Glad Successor is Dewey Perry of Essex Jct. . . Burlington, VT . 7 . Newspapers.com.
  4. News: February 5, 1929 . Essex Junction: Perry-Thibault . . Burlington, VT . 11 . Newspapers.com.
  5. News: March 26, 1982 . Obituary, Irene T. Perry . . Burlington, VT . 12 . Newspapers.com.