Daniel (Big) Walter Perkins 56 of Bernardston died peacefully on September 15, 2010 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester knowing he was loved with his family close at hand.
He was born the son of Gladys M. (Naylor) and Raymond F. Perkins on March 4, 1954 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Dan has been a life long resident of Franklin County. He was educated locally and attended Frontier Regional High School.
After school Big enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam Era as an Infantryman and was the recipient of the National Defense Ribbon before being honorably discharged at the rank of private.
Mr. Perkins was gainfully employed by the True Stone LLC or more commonly known as Warner Brothers Construction Company. He worked for them for twenty six years as a heavy equipment operator in the quarry. He was also employed by the Town of Montague for many years in the Department of Public Works.
Big was a member of Union 98 Operating Engineers. He was also a charter member of the Montague Elks Club in Turners Falls. He liked to spend time at the Turners Falls Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed a round of golf or time at the table playing pool when possible. When weather was nice he could be found with his friends riding his Yamaha motorcycle touring the region. Dan’s biggest joy in life was being a father and grand father.
Mr. Perkins is survived by his Fiance of 8 years; Karen E. (Mooney) Pervere whom he lived with in Bernardston. His 4 daughters; April L. Perkins of Greenfield, MA. Danielle E. Perkins of Turners Falls, MA., Anne M. Ellis of Turners Falls, MA. and Nicole E. Pervere at home in Bernardston, MA. He also leaves a brother Raymond Perkins and his wife Cynthia of Greenfield, MA. and one uncle William Naylor of Springfield, MA. Three special friends who big thought of as brothers; William V. Knapp of Montpelier, VT., John S. Covey of Plainfield, CT. and Charles H. Emory Jr. of Turners Falls, MA. Daniel is pre-deceased by his parents and sisters Barbara Wright and Kathleen Hyson. Papa will be missed by his two grand children; Alexsys Perkins and Dillin Kulesa in addition he will be missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A period of calling hours will be held at 3p.m. with a service to follow at 4p.m. in the Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Greenfield on Thursday, September 23, 2010. Services will be conducted with full military honors. Burial will be private. All are invited to attend and dress informally. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Daniel W. Perkins to the Living Waters Assembly of God Church. 450 Davis St. Greenfield, MA. 01301.
