Alfred J Dries

Alfred J. "Mr. D." Dries, 94, of Perry, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27th, 2026, at the home of his dear friends and caregivers, Joe and Lisa Hauslauer, surrounded by love and under hospice care.

Born on October 25th, 1931, in Batavia, New York, Alfred was the beloved son of the late Andrew J. and Estelle (Myers) Dries.

He graduated from Pavilion High School and went on to earn his master's degree in business from Cornell University.

Alfred enlisted in the US Air Force in 1954, serving for 19 years. He rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant Colonel during the Vietnam War and piloted the Convair B-36 "Peacemaker" with the Tactical Air Command. After his military service, he dedicated himself to farming, owning several crop and beef farms in the area, and also shared his knowledge as a professor at Cornell University.

He was a longtime member of the former St. Joseph's Church in Perry and most recently attended Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in LeRoy.

Alfred was deeply devoted to his faith and held a lifelong passion for farming. He loved taking long drives through the countryside to see what fellow farmers were doing and enjoyed attending livestock auctions and farmers' markets. In his younger years, he participated in sports and cherished those memories.

He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and wisdom.

In addition to his parents, Alfred was predeceased by his siblings: Joseph, Eugene, Eleanor Cummins, John, Ruth Tusch, Paul, Andrew, and Lawrence Dries.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, 98 North Main St., Perry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4th, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in LeRoy.

Alfred will be laid to rest at St. Francis Cemetery in LeRoy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Boys' State, 1304 Park Boulevard, Troy, NY 12180.