Joseph Perry

Perry, Joseph

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Joseph Perry, loving husband and father of eight children, passed away at age 92. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and respect to all.

Joseph was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota to Anthony and Mary Perry. He is a Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He practiced law for over 30 years including his own law practice in St. Paul. Shortly after receiving his Doctorate in law 1956, Joseph worked as a Special Assistant Attorney under Miles Lord and Walter Mondale and Hennepin County Attorney General. Joseph dedicated his life to Social Justice and was a champion of Civil Rights.

Joseph was dedicated to his family and throughout his lifetime he planted many seeds of hope to everyone he met. He cared about the needs of others less fortunate. For 38 years Joseph and Beverly opened their home through Ramsey County Adult Foster Program.

Joseph received his 57th year medallion in sobriety in October, 2020. He volunteered in the field of addiction, starting the first interracial AA meeting in Minneapolis. He supported and lectured at The Retreat in Wayzata, Union Gospel Mission and Christ Recovery Center in St. Paul, Stillwater Prison, VA Hospital, H.E.A.R.T, Salvation Army, and Alternative Peace Project, He taught Transcendental Meditation to thousands of people in recovery.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Tony, his mother Mary, his brother, Tony, his sisters Philomena & Mary, a daughter Cindy & son-in-law Steve Ales. He is survived by his wife Beverly, 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, & 5 Great-Great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends.

A private service will be held at Bradshaw Funeral Home on Snelling Avenue in Highland Park on November 20 at 1:00 p.m.  A livestream of the service will be available on November 20, 1:00 P.M. on this site, by clicking on the box below the obituary. Interment Fort Snelling. A Celebration of Life will be planned for 2021.

Memorial donations to Union Gospel Christ Recovery Center.

Gratitude and thanks to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, New Perspective Senior Living, Highland Park, and the VA in Minneapolis.