Thomas Perkins

Thomas Robert Perkins, 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at the Oxford Manor, Haverhill, MA, after a long illness.

Born in Beverly, MA on August 30, 1947, he was the son of the late Robert and Leah (Murphy) Perkins. Raised and educated in Danvers, Tom grew up with two sisters and a brother.

An honorably discharged veteran, Tom proudly served his country from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam War as an ordinance mechanic in the United States Navy on the USS Independence aircraft carrier. He received the National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Metal with a Bronze Star.

Tom had been employed as a tractor trailer service mechanic at Auclair Trucking for several years before the company closed in 1981.

A beloved father and friend, Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand or give wise advice to anyone in need. In return for his selflessness and compassion, Tom received love and admiration from all who knew him. He had a big heart and cherished time spent with his family and dear friends. Tom will be best remembered for his generous heart and uncanny ability to bring smiles and laughter to all those around him.

Tom is survived by his four daughters, his twins, Janet Stefano and Judy Daily both of FL, Caryn Perkins of MD, and Katherine Perkins of Woodsville; eight grandchildren; his three siblings, Mary Perkins-Nylund of FL, David Perkins of ME, and Diane Perkins-Kimball of FL; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be announced in the Spring of 2015. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Tom's memory to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 1430, Cincinnati, OH 45250 or www.dav.org.