Robert “Bob” D. Perry passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with illness. He was born Dec. 3, 1945 to the late William J. and Maretta (Conaway) Perry of Oak Orchard.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Kathryn and Donaldson “Firpo” Carmean of Georgetown, and John Hitchens of Georgetown, and brother-in-law Donald Carmean of Millsboro.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rebecca “Becky” (Hitchens) Perry; his daughter Kimberly (Perry) Rogers and husband Bobby of Georgetown; grandsons Nathan Rogers of Georgetown and Robby Rogers of Okinawa, JP; sister Betty Collins (Bill) of Laurel; sisters-in-law Shirley Hitchens of Georgetown, Peggy Coulbourne (Jim) of Milton, Donna Lathbury (David) of Dagsboro, and JoAnn Matthias (Kenny) of Georgetown; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his faithful feline companion Bella.

Bob served his country in the Delaware National Guard from 1963 to 1971. He then worked as a mechanic, brick mason, and carpenter before beginning his career with the Delaware Department of Transportation in 1981. He retired from DelDOT in 2008 after serving as Area Supervisor for the Gravel Hill, Seaford, and Ellendale yards.

One of his great passions was coaching and mentoring youth. He began his coaching career with the Georgetown Little League, coaching multiple generations of girls’ softball players. He later served as assistant coach and head coach for the Delaware Tech Owens Campus Lady Roadrunners softball team from 1992 to 2009. He was affectionately known as “Softball Bob” by his players and friends of the team. During his tenure, the team won seven Regional championships and made six District appearances and three World Series appearances. In 2009, after having to give up coaching for health reasons, he began working at the Wellness Center in order to stay in touch with his Delaware Tech family. He officially retired in 2019.

Bob was a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post #23 and member of Post #8. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #8 Ambulance Service in Georgetown. He was a member of the Red Men Lodge in Georgetown. He attended Providence Church in Georgetown.      

Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, deer hunting with his friends, and boating. He also enjoyed attending UD Football games with his daughter and grandson Nathan.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 from 11 a.m. to noon, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 1 at noon in the chapel of Short Funeral Services with a graveside service immediately following at St. John’s Cemetery in Georgetown.

Flowers and/or memorial contributions are equally welcomed and appreciated by the family. Memorial contributions can be made to: Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Providence Church, c/o Connie Mears, 21595 Paradise Rd, Georgetown, DE 19947. 

Online condolences may be left at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.