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Rev. Joseph K. Perry, O.S.A. (1909 - 1973)

Rev. Joseph K. Perry, O.S.A. entered eternal life March 17, 1973.

Joseph Kenneth Perry was born August 17, 1909 in Fountain, Minnesota to John and Mary (Murphy) Perry. He was Baptized September 19, 1909 at St. Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church, Fountain. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation June 12, 1921 in the same church.

Joseph received his elementary education in Filmore County Public Schools, Fountain. After studying for one year at Fountain Junior High School, Fountain, he enrolled in St. John High School, Rochester, Minnesota, where he earned his diploma.

After working as a clerk, Joseph in 1933 entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, where he did post-graduate studies for a year. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 10, 1934. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 11, 1935 and solemn (permanent) vows three years later.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1939. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained a Priest May 28, 1942. He did additional studies in English Literature and Engineering at Catholic University of America, Washington.

Father Perry was assigned in 1943 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. In 1946 he was transferred to St. Monica Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he remained until the time of his death in 1973. Among his positions there over the years were Director of Monican Press, Sub-Master of Novices and Director of Formation for Brothers not aspiring to the Priesthood.

He is remembered for his persistent yet fraternal efforts to prepare the Augustinian Brothers for their life and work in a variety of community settings. Father Perry was a well-known preacher and retreat director in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. People found him to be wise and compassionate, and many visited St. Monica to seek his counsel.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.