Obituary of Perry E. Holdridge

The New York Yankees lost their biggest fan Thursday morning, May 26, 2011, when Perry "Popeye" Holdridge passed away in Rome Memorial Hospital. As the second of three children, he was born December 21, 1926, in Rome to Perry A. and Charlotte M. (McNeil) Holdridge. He was educated in Rome schools. Perry married Gertrude Koenig on February 22, 1957, and spent 42 happy years with her until her death in 1999. Many of his friendships were made during the years he spent tending bar at his own establishments The Boat and The Neighborhood Restaurant and later at local establishments including The Savoy. From 1967 to his retirement in 1989, Perry worked as a custodian at Strough Jr. High, where he touched countless lives with his kindness, humor, and devotion to his work and the faculty and students who surrounded him. Despite the hardships of his life and the health problems that plagued him, Perry showed a profound strength and maintained optimism thanks to the support of his family, friends, and neighbors. A special thanks to the neighbors he was so fond of, including, Anne Butler, Coach Evans and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fadness, Delores Sherman, Rita Vescio, Edna Zeppetello, and especially Debbie Sneed, who bestowed upon him their considerable time and affection. Throughout his life he has inspired his friends and family with his independence, courage, pride, outstanding character, unconditional love, and immeasurable generosity; and will be greatly missed. Perry is survived by his two sons, Douglas Holdridge and wife Christine of Rome, Jack Durfee and wife Denise of Enfield, CT; and two daughters Sharon Galluppi of Rome; and Linda Slocum and husband William of Cicero, sister-in-law Jane Holdridge as well as many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Charles Holdridge, sister Isabelle Urbanski, and son-in-law Michael Galluppi, Jr. A Funeral Mass will be held at Monday, May 30, 2011, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Church at 210 W. Liberty Street. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are by Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's/St. Peter's Church Memorial Fund.