Stephen James Perley

ENOSBURGH - Stephen James Perley, age 74 passed away Monday, November 3, 2014 at his home with his family by his side.

He was born in St. Albans on February 28, 1940 the son of the late Merrill & Fern (Simmons) Perley.

Steve was a 1958 graduate of Enosburg Falls High School. He served in the Vermont Air National Guard receiving his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant in 1968. Steve continued the Perley family tradition of dairy farming as the 5th generation to operate the Perley Farm in Enosburgh until he sold the cows in 2005 at which point along with his son expanded the sugaring operation known as Perley Farm Maple Products. During his time farming he was also the Director for the Vermont ASCS Office in Burlington for several years.

Steve was very active in community affairs serving on several boards including the Town of Enosburgh Select Board, Local & State Republican Committees. He was a member of the Franklin County Maple Co-op, Lincoln Lodge F&AM # 78, Enosburg Falls Lions Club, and the American Legion Post # 42 of Enosburg Falls

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Gates) Perley of Enosburgh. Steve & Carolyn were married on May 19, 1962. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Deborah Cook and her husband Thomas of West Enosburgh and Stephen Perley II and his wife Lori of Enosburgh; his grandsons, Nicholas Perley and his girlfriend Chelsea Boylan of Enosburgh and Matthew Perley of Enosburgh; his brother, Peter Perley and his fianc Roberta Morin of Enosburg Falls; his sister, Marilyn Sue Pearce and her husband Albert Chuck of Richford; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his constant companion, Boots. Besides his parents, Steve was predeceased by his grandson, Thomas Stephen Cook on November 21, 2001.

Funeral services will be held Monday November 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls with Rev. Jason McConnell officiating. Interment will follow in the Enosburgh Center Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Spears Funeral Home in Enosburg Falls Sunday from 4-7 PM.

For those who wish, contributions in Steves memory may be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency - Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478.