Robert C. Perkins

Perkins, Robert C. (1947-2019)

It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Colman Perkins announces his sudden passing into eternal life on November 1, 2019 at the age of 72.  Born in Providence on January 26, 1947 he was the son of Edna (Beauley) Perkins of East Providence and of the late Thomas E. Perkins.  Bob was a 1966 graduate of LaSalle Academy and attended Bentley College.  He was a Vietnam era veteran of the United States Navy where he served proudly as a Corpsman from 1968 to 1972.  After his time in the service Bob returned to the family business, RE Sturdy Co, where he worked with his family until the company closed in 2016. 

Bob leaves behind his adored wife Betty (Downey) Perkins, to whom he was married for 46 adventurous years and their cherished children, Natalie (Hubert) Severe of Pawtucket, Levi (Lisa Maduro) Perkins of East Providence, Katrina (Michael) Jasso of East Providence and Seth Perkins of Coventry.   He was also the proud Papa to nine Grandchildren, Kiana and Jacob Perkins, Khayden and Shanya Severe, Phoenix and Legend Perkins and Iliana, Thayden and Haven Jasso,   Bob is also survived by his three loving siblings, his twin brother Lloyd and Thomas Perkins of East Providence and Dorothy Perkins McCauley of Bristol as well as his niece Larissa and nephews Andrew and Darrel.   Additionally leaves his treasured family in Guam, Esther, Bastien, Jennifer, Ed and Ethan, along with many other valued Guamanian family and friends, past and present.   

Bob was an avid sports enthusiast, loyally following all the New England teams, Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins, through all their hallowed victories and agonizing defeats.  He had a special fondness for PC Basketball where he was a season ticketholder for many years.  He also remained quite active enjoying time with a host of caring and strongly valued friends, playing racquetball and pickle ball and spending bonding time at their local watering hole, “The 99”.  Additionally Bob was a voracious reader, drawn to all genres of the written word.   Bob’s other passion was cooking and grilling for his family, he so enjoyed their weekly family dinners. 

Underneath it all, Bob was a kind and gentle soul.  He will be remembered as a fiercely loyal Husband, Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to all who he cherished. His unyielding fighting spirit was known to many and will forever glow in the hearts of all who were blessed to call him friend. He never met an argument he didn’t like and was quite fond of a lively and spirited debate.  He was happy to have been given the gift of life and he so enjoyed the ride. 

His funeral service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery Columbarium at 10 AM, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI (If attending the funeral please gather directly at the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery administration building parking lot for 9:45 AM, It is the first parking lot on the right hand side when pulling into the cemetery).   Calling hours for Bob will be held on Friday, November 8th from 3-6 PM at the Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Ave, Riverside, RI.  In lieu of flowers contributions in Bob’s memory to “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, 1010 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919” would be deeply appreciated.

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