Donald I. Perry

Donald I. Perry passed away last February at the age of 85, but his memory and legacy live on through his family, friends and bequests to several charitable agencies. Perry left Amos House shares of stock worth $134,000. His generous gift will enable us to help thousands of men, women and children through our housing, food, job training and social service programs.

“He was a philanthropist who seemed to genuinely care about organizations that reached out to the community,” said Robert Whitney, co-executor of Perry’s estate. “He would give to over 60 organizations a year.”

Born in Newburyport, MA, Perry was raised in a prominent New England family that gained wealth through the mercantile trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. A graduate of Harvard and Yale universities and a World War II veteran, Perry spent a brief time in the architectural field, then pursued a more eccentric life. He traveled the world, operated a small coffee bean and macadamia nut plantation in Hawaii, and lived in Ireland for several years. Perry also enjoyed the arts, especially classical symphony concerts, and helped to preserve antiquities through large donations to the World Monuments Fund.

The philanthropist spent his later years in Providence living quietly, simply and humbly. Perry supported a handful of agencies and continued to help them through bequests after his death. Amos House is so grateful to have been among them.