Ansonia paid tribute Thursday (Jan. 22) to Claude Perry, who served the city and community in various roles for more than three decades until his death in 2011.
Mayor David Cassetti and Perry’s widow, Virginia, unveiled a photograph and plaque honoring Perry in the main hallway of City Hall, as several of Perry’s children and former co-workers looked on.
Perry wore many hats during his time working for the city, from founding a fair housing committee to operating the personnel department to serving as economic development director.
In addition, he also held a number of volunteer roles with civic organizations. He was a founding member of Ansonia Community Action, Inc., for example, as well as a vice president of the local chapter of the NAACP.
Perry grew up in Florida before serving in the Army during the Vietnam War before settling in Ansonia.
Click here to read more about Perry’s life and legacy from a 2011 story.
“Claude was a devoted and loving family man and civic-minded individual whose priorities were rooted in the community and residents of the Valley,” Cassetti said during Thursday’s ceremony.
“One thing remained constant in Claude’s life: his desire to serve the community and help its residents,” the mayor said. “One thing we can be sure of: that Claude cared. We can’t ask for more in a public servant.”
In addition to Perry’s widow, several of Perry’s children — Harrison Washington, Clayton Perry, Monica Parks, Timothy Washington, and Charles Perry — were on hand for Thursday’s ceremony. Perry’s son Andy Washington could not attend Thursday’s ceremony.
Virginia Perry’s sister, Joyce Girard, and family friends Wilhemina and John Christon also attended, in addition to many of Perry’s former fellow city employees.
After the ceremony, Virginia said she was happy to see her husband recognized with the plaque and portrait unveiled Thursday.
“I think he deserves it,” she said.
After unveiling the photo, Cassetti said Perry had served the city so long, he was more or less a “permanent fixture” at City Hall.
“Today, it will be a reality,” the mayor said
