Mr Perry, who was born in Leyton, was a charmer who was well known in the Wood Street area of Walthamstow, where he used to live, though in recent years he had been living in Brookscroft Road, Walthamstow.
He spent most of the Second World War serving in the RAF alongside the desert rats in north Africa. A few years ago he got the chance to go back to Africa as part of the Government's Heroes Return programme. "I told them I wasn't a hero but they said I could go anyway," said Peter modestly.
A volunteer, he worked with ground crew maintaining aircraft but even so he narrowly escaped death on more than one occasion. He also suffered from skin problems as a result of working long hours in the desert sun for several years.
A weight lifter in his youth, he won several medals and eventually became the civil service champion. He also displayed his weight lifting skills at the Festival of Britain.
He was passionate about fine literature and had read extremely widely. He also had an allotment and supported Orient Football Club.
Many will remember seeing him cycling up Wood Street or chaining his bike outside one of the shops or pubs.
A determined correspondent his letters were published in a variety of newspapers including the Waltham Forest Guardian and the Morning Star.
An hour long video about his life, made by a local video maker, was shown in Walthamstow in April. Peter Perry attended the event and appeared fit and well but in early May he suffered a stroke and then died on May 23, 2008.
Peter is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren. He had a huge circle of friends and acquaintances and will be sorely missed. The funeral will take place on Friday June 6 at the City Of London Crematorium, Manor Park.
