November 9, 2012       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Perley E. Major Sr., 85, passed away Friday morning, Nov. 9, at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where he was a resident.

Mr. Major was born Nov. 13, 1926, in Watertown, a son of Perley and Mary Carter Major.

He married Lillian Genevieve Snyder on April 27, 1955, the daughter of Schuyler and Pearl Snyder. 

Mr. Major served in the United States Army, Navy and Air Force. He also worked at Black Clawson and for the City of Watertown before retiring.

Mr. Major enjoyed playing bingo with his wife and watching old John Wayne movies. 

He was an inspiration to his children.

Surviving besides his wife, Lillian, are three sons David Major, Watertown, Robert (Lori) Major, Carthage, and James Major, Watertown; two daughters Mary (Jack) Czerkies, Maryland, Michelle Contryman and her companion, Larry Chiappone, Watertown; grandchildren Chelsea Major, Bradley Earl and Toni Olley, Jonathan, Jarred and Jakob Czerkies, Mary Chiappone, Michael Contryman, Richard Contryman II, James, Jr., Jessie Major and Jorden Major and Justin Briggs; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Major, Nikole Rosanna, Gavin Olley, Dakota Contryman and Richard Contryman III, and Athena Major. 

A son, Perley Major Jr., died in 1987. A sister, Ruth Luffman, and a brother, Frederick Major, both died before him.

The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at Sackets Harbor Military Cemetery. Calling Hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. 

Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com

Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.