Frank Perry, Jr.

Frank Perry Jr., 67, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away on June 25, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on September 25, 1958, in New Bedford, Frank was the son of Barbara Ann (Arruda) Perry and the late Frank Perry Sr.

Known to many simply as “Big Frank,” he didn’t live a small life. Everything about him was larger than life, the way he loved, the way he laughed, the stories he told, the songs he made up on the spot, and yes, even the temper that those closest to him knew well and will never let him forget, especially after the recent “death of the keyboard.”

He is survived by his wife, Donna (LeBreux) Perry; his daughter, Nichole Perry; his granddaughter, Frankie Harrell, proudly carrying on the family name in her own way; his mother, Barbara Ann Perry; his brother Brian Perry, wife Sharon Perry, and their son Chad Perry; his stepchildren, Theresa (Saucier) Bousquet, her husband Henry Bousquet and their children Phoebe and Payton; Donald Saucier Jr. and his wife Mary Cain and their children Delaney and Liam; Leah and Dylan and their families; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank Perry Sr.; his sister, Cheryl Perry; and his beloved son, Frank Perry III, a loss that stayed with him throughout his life.

Frank spent his career in the trucking and seafood hauling industry. It was hard work, long hours, and for many years came with what he called “smelling like a gurry barrel,” a scent his family knew well and one that became a shared and expected part of life. Whether behind the wheel of a tractor trailer or cruising around in his pickup truck, Frank was always on the move.

Many will remember his old red truck, “Betsy,” where a quick stop could turn into an hour, the engine off, his arm hanging out the window, talking and laughing like there was nowhere else he needed to be. From the fish house to the campground, and just about everywhere in between, Frank had a way of drawing people in and making every conversation matter. He never met a stranger, only people he hadn’t talked to yet.

Frank loved fishing and could find water wherever he went. If he didn’t have a pole in his hand, he was just as happy watching someone else fish and sharing in the excitement of their catch. He became a father at just 18 years old, and to his children he was their hero, guide, protector, and the best dad they could have asked for. His children were never far from his side, especially on the water in the blue skiff he had custom built, pulling lobster traps, bullraking, fishing in Clark’s Cove, and hustling quahogs on the weekends. On many Saturdays in the 80s, Frank could be found in Padanaram Harbor, hand digging for quahogs, his thundering belly laugh following the terrified screams of Niki and Frank III as he tossed spider crabs their way.

Camping was a tradition in Frank’s life that stretched back generations, from leaky tents in his younger years to the beauty of the 35-foot camper Donna made feel like a second home. Whether chopping wood, sitting around the campfire, riding the golf cart, or cooking breakfast on the Coleman grill at the picnic table, he was always right in the middle of everything, talking, teasing, and making sure everyone around him was included.

To his grandchildren, he was the creator of the “Toast Bug,” a mischievous little character always causing trouble by stealing toys and moving food. He made up songs, silly sayings, and faces that could make anyone laugh, and he always found ways to make the people around him smile.

Frank had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered. His laughter filled every room, his presence brought people together, and his love was constant. He was big hearted, unforgettable, and deeply loved by all who knew him. He will be missed beyond words and remembered always.

A memorial service in honor of Frank's memory will be held at Perry Funeral Home on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 12:00PM-3:00PM.

Perry Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and provides respectful accommodations designed to ensure comfort and accessibility for all attendees, including a lighted parking lot and a handicap-accessible ramp and entrance.