Obituary: Ernest J. Perry Jr., Attended More Than 10,120 Sporting Events

Obituary from Conte Funeral Home.

Ernest J. Perry Jr. 79, of Andover died Wednesday at Lawrence General Hospital. Ernie was born in Lawrence on January 21, 1936 to the late Ernest and Louise (Toye) Perry. He lived and raised his family in Andover for the past 48 years. He also owned a home at Hampton Beach for 79 years (a popular destination for extended family and friends).

Ernie is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Barbara (Driscoll) Perry of Andover. He is also survived by his two daughters, Louise Perry of North Andover and Grace Perry and her husband Christopher Shepley of Andover, as well as his five sons, Ernest J. Perry III and his wife Kathleen of Andover, Timothy Perry and his wife Kerri of Newbury, John Perry and his wife Jennifer of Sugar Land Texas, Matthew Perry and his wife Elizabeth of Andover and James Perry and his wife Abby of Princeton N.J. Also among his survivors are his sixteen grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ernie took most pride and enjoyment from being surrounded by his large (and still-growing family). He was known for creating and maintaining elaborate sports schedules that allowed him, first, to attend the various athletic events of his seven children and, more recently, the multitude of athletic and other activities of his 16 grandchildren. Regarding the more than 10,120 games he attended, he was equally proud whether it be an NFL game coached by one son, Ivy League championships earned by another, or simply a TBall game played by a grandchild. His presence at these family events will leave a void that cannot be replaced. Ernie was a physical education teacher for the Methuen School System for 35 years.

He also worked at Hampton Beach during the summers and was the owner of Hudon’s Restaurant for many years. Ernie was a well-known high school track and field coach for Methuen, Lawrence and Central Catholic. Among other coaching accolades, Ernie followed his father being inducted into the MIAA Track & Field Hall of Fame after his retirement.

Ernie was a graduate of St. John’s Preparatory School, Suffolk University and received a masters degree from Salem State College. He served his country in the National Guard and was a member of the Lawrence Lodge of Elks.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday April 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Church Andover. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence. Family and friends may call on Sunday April 26 from 3-7 p.m. at the Conte Funeral Home 17 Third Street North Andover. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Ernest J. Perry Scholarship Fund at www.gofundme.com/sub3ar4m. For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com