Robert “Bob” A. Perry, a long-time resident of Hanford Bay, died unexpectedly Friday January 23, 2015 at his residence at the age of 91. Born in Buffalo’s Cold Spring neighborhood, Bob graduated from Seneca Vocational High School.
Trained as a draftsman, he worked for a dental tool manufacturer for several years. During World War II, Bob worked at defense plants, notably Houdaille Industries, where he found his true calling as a mechanic. Following the war, he worked as a mechanic at Al Kazimir’s Service on Fillmore and Rodney where he was known for his ability to fix anything and where he formed many lifetime friendships. Mr. Perry was a fixture at both Sabres & Bills games, where he worked in various capacities as a member of SEIU Local 200, Ushers and Ticket Takers for over 40 years. He also worked at Batavia Downs and Hamburg Raceway until retiring in the late 1990s. He remained an ardent fan of the Sabres and Bills until his death. As a hockey player in his youth he never lost his love of the sport. In late December, he went skating at the Fredonia State College rink. After retiring to Hanford Bay and until his death, he could be found in his garage fixing cars and lawnmowers.
He and Adelle Fleischhauer, his lifelong companion for 65 years until her death in 2011, built several homes as well as rehabbed several homes in Hanford Bay over the years. Keeping only their home in Hanford Bay, Bob & Adelle spent winters at their home in Nokomis, FL. Mr. Perry was president of the Hanford Bay Association for 23 years, from 1992 until his death in 2015, and vice president for 5 years, from 1987 to 1992. Many considered him the “Mayor” of Hanford Bay, serving on the Board for longer than anyone else. He worked tirelessly to represent his neighbors in Hanford Bay with an eye to the town of Hanover operations affecting the bay. He kept precise notes and newspaper clippings on any topic affecting the Bay. He worked tirelessly as a watchdog at town meetings, especially concerning projects that he had been involved in years before. Bob was instrumental in bringing the Erie County Water Authority services to the bay area. On any given day in the summer he could be found cleaning up the beach, cutting grass for neighbors and common areas or clearing a clogged sewer or creek up until his death.
Bob is survived by nieces and nephews and a very large extended family at Hanford Bay. He witnessed the growth of three generations of children, many of whom stayed in contact after moving away. Besides his lifelong companion, he was predeceased by four sisters.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 147 Commercial Street, Farnham, NY on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com