Attorney Louis A. Perras, Jr., 87, of Dartmouth died Monday September 27, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Dr. Louis A. and Eugenie (Banville) Perras, he had lived in Greater New Bedford all of his life. He was a 1940 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a 1950 graduate of Boston College Law School.

Mr. Perras was a well-known trial attorney in the area for many years. He had been recognized for his many pro-bono contributions. He was a long-standing member of the American Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association.

A lifelong tennis player, he achieved high-ranking tournament status, both nationally and in New England. He was a member of the U.S. Tennis Association. An avid sailor, fisherman, and hunter, he had been a member of various local yacht clubs and rod and gun clubs.

During World War II, he served as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Detroit, USS New Mexico, and USS Gwin. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one star, the Asiatic-Pacific Area medal with eight stars, the American Defense medal with one star, the American Area medal, and the World War II Victory medal. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Survivors include four sons, Richard Perras of Needham, Raymond Perras of Boston, Ronald Perras of San Diego, CA, and Russell Perras of Anchorage, Alaska; two daughters, Rosemary Perras of Tampa Bay, Fla., and Regina Perras of Cambridge; six stepchildren, Barbara Cordell of Tennessee, Charles Vayo of Indiana, Thomas Vayo of New York, Michael Vayo of Pennsylvania, Steven Vayo of California and John Vayo of Middleboro; a brother, Andrew Perras of Hialeah, Fla.; three sisters, Madeleine Brisson of New Bedford, Aimee Nowak of Wayland and Priscilla Hamilton of Chula Vista, CA; his dear friend and companion, Barbara Vigeant of Dartmouth; 22 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was the father of the late Robert Perras, brother of the late Dr. David Perras, and husband of the late Cecelia (Hanks) Vayo Perras.

A private Funeral Service, with Military Honors from the U.S. Navy, will be held in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Suite 220, Framingham, MA 01701.