John Perry of the Shinnecock Indian Nation dies at 54

John Perry Jr.

John Perry Jr. of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died on June 13 at Southampton Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was 54.

Born August 13, 1955, to John and Beatrice Perry in Brooklyn, he attended Southampton High School and studied auto body work at Harry B. Ward Technical and Academic Center. He continued his education at the Southampton Campus of Long Island University, where he was a member of the basketball team. He went on to graduate and receive his degree from Denver College in Colorado.

Mr. Perry was also a graduate of the Suffolk County Police Academy and worked for the Southampton Village Police Department. He later changed vocations and went to work for Southampton Hospital. Eventually, his love for golf led him to become a caddy at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, where he worked for many years.

Ordained an Elder in the New Life Ministries Church, Mr. Perry did missionary work in Ghana and Togo, Africa, as well as throughout the United States. John would greet you with a big smile and heartfelt “blessings.”

When asked how he was doing, survivors recalled, he would typically reply, “Too blessed to be stressed,” or “I’m blessed.” No one could bellow out a “hallelujah, hallelujah,” quite like him, they said, noting that he was always willing to offer his help.

Family members said that two of Mr. Perry’s mottos were: “It’s nice to be nice” and “Order before increase.” He loved the Lord, they said, as well as his family, people, and travel, and indulged in all that life had to offer.

He is survived by his daughter, Addi Perry; his mother, 
Beatrice Perry; two sisters, Patricia and her husband Nathan Patterson Sr. and Karen and her husband Hayden Torrence; a niece, Tricia Habia; nephews Nathan Patterson and Seth Habia; two great-nieces, Sarah and Hannah Habia; two special cousins, Dwayne Struthers, and Brian Struthers of North Carolina; an aunt, Dolores Smith; an uncle, Kenneth Smith Sr.; and many cousins, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, John Perry Sr., and a niece, Charyse Torrence.

Visitation and funeral services were held on June 17 at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church. Interment followed at the Shinnecock Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.