Obituary of Pete George Perry

Pete G. Perry, 93 of Star City, WV, passed away at his home, surrounded by his children on Saturday, February 26, 2022. He was born October 8th, 1928, a son of the late Anthony and Sarah Barberio Perry, hardworking parents who immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1918. He was the fifth of seven children, all of whom were born and raised in Star City, WV and surrounding areas. His parents faced challenging times, raising a large family during the depression years. It was during that time, Pete learned valuable lessons about integrity, loyalty, courage, fortitude, and other important virtues which shaped the way he lived his life. He attended Star City Grade School, Suncrest Jr. High School, and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1947, where he was a member of the basketball team. Following graduation from high school, Pete served in the U.S. Air Force from 1947-1951, serving his last year during the Korean War. Pete proudly and courageously served his country earning the ranking of Staff Sargent before being honorably discharged. He returned home and was employed with the U.S Department of Energy. It was at that time, he met the love of his life, Helen Sanetrik, who was also employed at the U.S. Dept. of Energy. They were married in 1954 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Morgantown, WV. Pete and Helen raised five children in their family home which was designed and built by Pete himself in 1959. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and family memories their children will cherish forever. Many of those memories include homemade meals always eaten together around the table, holidays filled with the bright light of Pete’s 8mm movie camera filming, weekends at the farm with extended family, beach vacations, working in the garden, and everything in that home instilled a sense of the importance of family and togetherness. This was evident even after Helen’s passing, with the family home continuing to be a gathering place for Pete’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their families who frequently visited him and continued family traditions. Pete was well known and respected in his community. His children were very active in sports, and he attended all their games and events, often supporting multiple teams during a season. Pete was active with his family and enjoyed being outdoors hiking, fishing, and hunting. Pete loved to ride his bike and was often seen pedaling throughout the neighborhood. Pete was an excellent gardener and was very proud of his peppers and tomatoes. He and Helen raised plants from seeds and grew many vegetables which they also canned each year. Pete also served as a member of the Star City Volunteer Fire Department for many years. In 1984, Pete retired from the U.S. Department of Energy after 32 years of service as an Engineering Draftsman. He loved his work and made several lifelong friends which he remained close to after retiring. It was during his retirement years he was able to pursue several different hobbies. He developed a passion for making wine. Pete was very particular about his berries and chose to pick his own elderberries and blackberries which helped him create a special blend of wine enjoyed for years by family and friends. He loved to share a bottle with anyone who came to visit and was known for his elderberry wine. Pete enjoyed bread making and often made his own bread. He had a generous heart when it came to giving and supporting those in need. He was kind, humble, and did so without needing recognition. Pete was an active member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Star City for over 70 years where he served on many committees. The church and his relationship with God were always most important to him. Pete Perry, or PapPap Pete as he was affectionately known by most everyone, was a kind gentleman and a man of his word. He had an infectious laugh that filled a room, he could be very stubborn at times, and most importantly he was a shining example of living life simply while cherishing what’s most important…Family. This is his legacy. He was loved dearly by his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed. In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Sanetrik Perry; brothers Frank, Martin and William Perry; sisters Rose Nida, Mary Dietrick, and Joann Bartlett. He is survived by his children and grandchildren; daughter and spouse LuAnn P. and Aaron F. Cage of Morgantown, WV (Aaron Cage II and Ashley Callen); four sons and spouses, Edward J. and Terri K. Perry of Chesapeake, VA (Megan Ferraro, Amanda Colin, Jamie Sustakoski, and Kylie Travinski); Michael E. and Connie U. Perry of Chesapeake, VA (Corinne Perry and Trent Perry); Mark S. Perry of Easton, Pa (Wayne Perry and Jaclyn Perry); David A. and Julie E. Perry of Hurricane, WV (Adam Perry and Aaron Perry). He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thank you for the excellent care provided by Pete’s in home caregivers. Lead Caregiver Angie Nicholson, Crystal Boyer, Brandi Newman, Joy Mankins, Audrey Schlosser, Lynsie Curtis, and Alexa Collins - Your kindness and ability to provide compassionate care while maintaining Pete’s dignity during this journey is appreciated more than we can ever express. An additional thank you to Hospice Care Amedisys for their gracious support and care not only of Pete, but our family as well. Family and Friends may call at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 4-7 pm Friday, March 4th. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7 pm. Mr. Perry will be moved to St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3346 University Avenue, Star City, with visitation from 10-11 am, Saturday, March 5th with a Mass of Christian Burial, with Father John V. Dibacco as celebrant at 11 am. Interment will immediately follow in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover with full military honors. The family requests that donations in Pete G. Perry’s name be made to St. Ursula Food Pantry, 87 Pursglove Road, Morgantown, WV 26501 and/or Christian Help, 219 Walnut St., Morgantown, WV 26505. Condolences may be made online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com