Henry Joseph Perras

Amherst, NH – Henry Joseph Perras, a longtime resident of Amherst, NH, passed away peacefully at

home on August 17, 2026 after a long battle with dementia. He was 89 years old.

Henry was born in Claremont, NH, on November 30, 1936, the son of Antonio Perras and Irene Hall Perras. He spent his formative years in Claremont where he first met his future wife, Barbara Burke. Before he married Barbara, he proudly served his country,joining the United States Air Force in 1954. He was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Caribou, Maine, from 1955 to 1958 where he served as an aircraft radio mechanic.

Henry maintained a career in radio communications and electronics, working for Eastern Airlines, and Harvard University before ending up at MIT Lincoln Laboratory in 1972 working as an electronic engineer where he designed and built printed circuit boards for communication satellites. He remained there until his retirement in 1995.Henry and Barbara were married on July 4, 1959 in Claremont, NH and started their lives together in Somerville, MA. They eventually moved to Billerica, MA in 1963 and made their final move to Amherst, NH in 1977, where he remained a resident for the next 49 years, and Barbara continues to call home. They were blessed with five sons along the way.

Retirement gave Henry more time to enjoy his favorite hobbies such as ham radio (call

sign K1ZDI), gardening, and music. He also remained physically active as a player in

the Nashua Senior Softball league softball, a senior candlepin bowling league at Leda

Lanes in Nashua, NH.

Henry was a staunch conservative who was never shy about sharing his opinions,

whether or not anyone had asked to hear them. He was deeply interested in politics and

current events and took pride in being well-informed on the issues he felt strongly about.

He had a sharp mind, strong convictions, and would gladly engage anyone in debate.

He was a proud veteran, a proud American, and a proud family man.

Henry was predeceased by his beloved son, Peter A. Perras. He is also predeceased

by his parents, Antonio Perras and Irene Hall Perras; and his siblings, Theodore Perras

and Thelma Parker.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara A. Perras; his sons, John J.

Perras, Stephen M. Perras, Jeffrey T. Perras, and Glenn H. Perras; his granddaughter,

Cassi Cleaves; and his brother, Arnold Perras, along with extended family and many

friends whose lives he touched. Henry will be laid to rest in a private ceremony next to

his son, Peter, in Amherst, NH on August 25, 2026.

Smith & Heald Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.