Shrewsbury – Kenneth R. Perkins, 90, died Wednesday June 15, 2011 at the Coleman House in Northborough. He lived a long and good life, and will be missed by all his family and close friends.
Born July 24, 1920 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the son of the late Clarence A. and Luella (Crapser) Perkins, he was raised in Poughkeepsie. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. While in the service, he was introduced to May V. Bullen on a blind date and they married April 13, 1945 in Kingston Upon Thames, England. After the war, they settled in his native New York, where he worked as a printer for the Poughkeepsie Journal for over 25 years. After retirement in 1985, they moved to Shrewsbury to be closer to family.
Mr. Perkins” passions were fishing, running, music and woodworking. A skilled handy man, he had a talent that ranged from building sheds to fine pieces of furniture and was a perfectionist with all. A self-taught and accomplished violinist, he is remembered for easily accompanying music being played on the radio. He cherished quiet times with his family and always enjoyed their time on Nantucket Island.
An avid fisherman, his family fondly recalls his 5 a.m. wake-up calls to catch the first fish of the day. He was often accompanied by his grandchildren on these special trips. An adopted New Englander, he was an avid sports fan with a passion for the Celtics.
He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, May V. Perkins; two daughters, Leslie A. Roney and husband Lincoln of Chester, N.Y. and Lynne S. Mooradian; his grandchildren, Peter Mooradian, John Mooradian, Paul Mooradian, Amy Gothorpe, Mark Mooradian, David Mooradian, Elizabeth Roney, Christopher Roney, Pamela Roney and Geoffrey Roney; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Donald A. Mooradian, and his siblings, Clarence H. Perkins, Sarah Perkins and Grace Perkins.
Family and friends will honor and remember Mr. Perkins” life by gathering Saturday June 18, from 9 to 10 a.m., for a calling hour at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. The Rev. David W. Nason will officiate. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Friends who wish to honor Mr. Perkins” memory may contribute to the Coleman House, Resident Activity Fund, 112 West Main St., Northborough, MA 01532. For online condolences, please visit www.healdchiampa.com.
