Captain John Wilkinson Perry III ("Jay") passed away peacefully at home in Wayland, Massachusetts, on December 29, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a life defined by devotion to family, love of the water, and happiness.

Jay was born on September 8, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland. From a young age, he showed integrity, respect, and discipline, following his father as an Eagle Scout. His appreciation for nature was clear in his many pursuits— hiking, camping, biking, gardening, and kayaking.

A lifelong mariner, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Greenfish submarine before attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. He graduated in 1966 and spent several years sailing as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine.

Jay returned to the waters he loved most—the Chesapeake Bay—where he served as a Maryland Bay Pilot for 37 years until retiring in 2007. The work demanded precision, judgment, and trust—all qualities he embodied with pride.

His greatest joy was his family. He met Sue in Boston in 1970, and they married the following year. Together, they built a life in Towson, Maryland, raising their children, John and Meagan. They created lasting memories sailing the Chesapeake aboard their sailboat, Periwinkle, and traveling throughout the United States and abroad.

In retirement, he remained active, especially dedicated to time in his garden with Sue and kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay. He joined paddling communities, including the Chesapeake Paddlers Association, where he formed new friendships and shared his love of the water with others.

Jay and Sue moved to Wayland, Massachusetts, in 2020 to be closer to Meagan, her husband David, and their beloved
granddaughter, Emma, to whom Jay was lovingly known as "Choo Choo" for his train collecting hobby. Soon after relocating, he faced a difficult diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Despite the challenges, he surpassed his prognosis by more than four years – a testament to both his mental and physical toughness and the exceptional care he received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 54 years, Susan Williams Perry; loving children, John Wilkinson Perry (San Diego, CA) and Meagan Perry Occhialini; son-in-law, David Scott Occhialini; granddaughter, Emma Perry Occhialini (Wellesley, MA); brother, Steven Perry (Towson, MD); brother-in-law, Stuart Croll (Tucson, AZ); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Ellen Croll, and his brother, David Perry.

Jay will be remembered for his warmth, generosity of spirit, his commitment to happiness and the deep, steady love he shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Perry III to
support Dr. Matt Davids' lymphoma research at: www.dana-farber.org/gift

Fair winds and following seas, Jay.