Joseph Earl Perry

Longtime local farmer Joseph E. Perry passed away on August 7, 2018 of natural causes. He was 86 years young. Joseph was born and raised on Beard Road in Fremont on November 22, 1931. He was the son of Azorean immigrants, Joseph F. Perry and Rita Mello. The Perrys and the Mellos settled on Beard Rd. where both sides of the family farmed growing various vegetables and fruit. Joseph attended Alviso Elementary School. He graduated from Washington Township High School in 1950. His passion for dancing led him to eventually met his wife, Patricia Guerra, at a high school dance. Patricia brought the bookkeeping angle to the farming operation which helped take the farm to another level. Joseph followed in the footsteps of his ancestors and was fortunate enough to pursue his lifelong dream of farming. He honed his skill as a farmer working for his father and uncles growing up. In his earlier working days, Joseph farmed part time and worked various factory jobs as a machinist. He utilized this skill to make some of his own machinery for farming. Joseph has farmed vegetables, fruit, and raised livestock in Fremont and Newark since the 1960’s. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Perry’s Pumpkin Patch which is currently located at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Joseph was past president of the Alameda County Farm Bureau and was serving on the Board of Directors at the time of his passing. He was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Washington Township Men’s Club. Had he not been a farmer, he would have enjoyed being a professional dancer. In his spare time, he practiced all forms of dancing from ballroom to disco and could moonwalk. He enjoyed doing tai chi. He and Patricia danced regularly at the Fremont Senior Center which he looked forward to every Thursday. Joseph was preceded in death by his father Joseph, his mother Rita, his sisters Lorraine Perry and Edith Pine. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Patricia. His brother John Perry. His 4 children Diane (Hal), Douglas (Janice), James (Jennifer) and Petrina. 16 Grandchildren and 20 Great-Grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Autism Awareness