Obituary for Perry C. Burnham
Perry C. Burnham, age 101 of Vernon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022.
Born in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Perry and Charlotte (Pegler) Burnham, Perry settled in New Jersey. He had lived in Toms River for many years prior to moving to Vernon four years ago.
Perry proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 126th Infantry Regiment. He was one of the very few surviving veterans to have served from 1941 to 1945; all the way through the war, taking part in the Papuan, New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon campaigns. For his honorable service in the U.S. Army, he earned several awards including the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with Four Bronze Battle Stars and Bronze Arrowhead, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Battle Star, and the Distinguished Unit Badge and Good Conduct Medal.
Perry worked for M&T Chemicals in Woodbridge, beginning there as an engineer and retiring as a vice president. His work – and later, his love of travel – took him across the United States. He lived in Michigan, California, Arizona, Alabama, and New Jersey and visited many of the country’s parks and landmarks with his family. He and his late wife, Kelly, loved going to Aruba twice a year after retirement. He loved cooking, reading, and nature. Perry was admired by many for his unshakable demeanor, quick wit, and appreciation of simple things – especially a good conversation over breakfast.
Predeceased by his wife, Dolores “Kelly” (Lazo) Burnham, stepson, James Kelly, and sister, Madeline Burnham, Perry is survived by his children, Jan Prins, James Burnham, Thomas Burnham and his wife Stephanie, and Carol Burnham; stepdaughter Mary Kelly and her husband Thomas Scriven; as well as thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was a beloved father and grandfather and will be remembered for creating a warm and loving home for all who needed it.
Arrangements for Perry are private and under the direction of the Ferguson—Vernon Funeral Home, 241 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462. Online condolences may be offered at www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Parks Foundation: https://www.nationalparks.org/.
Born in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Perry and Charlotte (Pegler) Burnham, Perry settled in New Jersey. He had lived in Toms River for many years prior to moving to Vernon four years ago.
Perry proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 126th Infantry Regiment. He was one of the very few surviving veterans to have served from 1941 to 1945; all the way through the war, taking part in the Papuan, New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon campaigns. For his honorable service in the U.S. Army, he earned several awards including the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with Four Bronze Battle Stars and Bronze Arrowhead, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Battle Star, and the Distinguished Unit Badge and Good Conduct Medal.
Perry worked for M&T Chemicals in Woodbridge, beginning there as an engineer and retiring as a vice president. His work – and later, his love of travel – took him across the United States. He lived in Michigan, California, Arizona, Alabama, and New Jersey and visited many of the country’s parks and landmarks with his family. He and his late wife, Kelly, loved going to Aruba twice a year after retirement. He loved cooking, reading, and nature. Perry was admired by many for his unshakable demeanor, quick wit, and appreciation of simple things – especially a good conversation over breakfast.
Predeceased by his wife, Dolores “Kelly” (Lazo) Burnham, stepson, James Kelly, and sister, Madeline Burnham, Perry is survived by his children, Jan Prins, James Burnham, Thomas Burnham and his wife Stephanie, and Carol Burnham; stepdaughter Mary Kelly and her husband Thomas Scriven; as well as thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was a beloved father and grandfather and will be remembered for creating a warm and loving home for all who needed it.
Arrangements for Perry are private and under the direction of the Ferguson—Vernon Funeral Home, 241 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462. Online condolences may be offered at www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Parks Foundation: https://www.nationalparks.org/.