William Thomas "Tom" Perry, 75, passed away July 1, 2014 in his home. He was born on Long Island, NY, on June 29, 1939 to the late Marvin A. and Rose Mary Walsh Perry. The family moved to Portsmouth in 1944, and Tom always considered Portsmouth his hometown.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Dawn Cahoon Perry; daughter Monica Dawn Perry and grandchildren Perry Patrick Roll and Elena Rose Roll of Annandale, VA; son Scott Thomas Perry, daughter-in-law Keri Sank Perry, and grandson Griffin Thomas Perry of Glen Burnie, MD; sister Barbara Gabriele (John); and brothers Marvin Perry and Anthony Perry (Kay) of Portsmouth. He was predeceased by his sister Jacquelyn Anne Pittman and brother Michael Anthony Perry.

His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life. His greatest pleasure was doing projects for the kids and making toys and crafts for the grandchildren in Granddad's Workshop.

His was a Certified Safety Professional and was the Safety Manager at the former Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Julien's Creek; the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA; the Naval Medical Command, Mid-Atlantic; and the Naval Supply Systems Command. He served as the Chairman of the Hampton Roads Federal Safety Council and President of the Portsmouth Safety Council. In addition to his work in safety, he managed the Naval Supply Systems Command Environmental Protection Program worldwide for 10 years. He was twice awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal.

He served in the Virginia National Guard for 33 years. He was the Commander, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery and served two tours as the Operations Officer, S-3, 29th Infantry Division Artillery. Upon promotion to Colonel he transferred to the Army Reserve and retired after 5 years of service. Following retirement, he served as the Honorary Colonel of the 111th Field Artillery Regiment.

He was a member of Saint Paul's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 418, and a life member of the Virginia National Guard Association and the National Guard Association of the United States.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8th at St. Paul's Catholic Church, High & Washington Streets, downtown Portsmouth. Burial with military honors will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, followed by a reception at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth. Friends may join the family Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703.