James Perry

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, officiated by Msgr. Ken Miller, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for Mr. James J. Perry, who died on Sunday at Liberty Health Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Perry was born on Jan. 12, 1923, in New Castle, Pa., a son of Nick and Mary (Maroni) Perry. He and his family moved to Youngstown when he was 9.

He attended The Rayen School. After high school, James enlisted in the U.S. Army, having served in World War II. After being honorably discharged, James received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Youngstown College.

He served in the 88th Infantry Division in the 313th Medical Battalion in Company B-5th Army, and was an ambulance driver. He achieved the rank of corporal and was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

He later worked in manufacturing for Greif Brothers Corporation, retiring after 40 years in 1985.

James was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He participated in the Altar and Rosary Societies, and the Senior Citizen committee of the IHM Church. He also served as an usher for many years.

He and his wife were avid and loyal supporters of the Youngstown State University football program and were also members of the YSU alumni association.

James married the love of his life, the former Pauline Donna Sammarone, on Oct. 19, 1946. Pauline died on July 29, 2010.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Sandra (Robert) Webber; grandson Robert James Webber; his sister, Lucille (Louis) DeSouza of Boston; his wife's sisters and brothers, Louise Williams, Clara Karabin, Charles (Mary Ann) Sammarone, Frank (Victoria) Sammarone; and many nieces and nephews, and his friends, who loved him dearly.

Besides his parents and wife, James was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Martha Perry; a sister, Jean Constantino; and his wife's sisters and brothers, Anthony (Dorothy) Sammarone, Carmel (Frank) Sainato, Marion Sammarone, Reese Williams, Rose (Peter) Fabek, and Tom Karabin.

Family and friends may call today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The Perry family would like to thank the administrative staff, physical therapy and restorative staffs, and nurses and aids of Liberty Health Care Center who cared for James during his stay.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.