Robert P. Perkins, or, as he was known in the most formal of settings, Bob, age 67, of Seymour, Connecticut, entered into rest on Sunday, March 20, 2022. He passed peacefully in his sleep in the second-most comfortable place known to him (surpassed only by the driver’s seat in his new Mustang), his living room recliner.
The son of Alice (Barker) Rowley and the late Harley Perkins, Robert was born on January 28, 1955, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was a resident of Seymour, Connecticut for 37 years. It was in Seymour that he served as the cantankerous (engaging), prodigal (giving), ranting-and-raving (caring, leading, and devoted) husband of Bonita (Caster), father of Jamie (Perkins) Skypek and Ryan Perkins, and Bob-Bob (grandfather) of Cody Skypek.
Robert proudly served with the US Air Force and his fondness of flight and mechanical power persisted through his lengthy employment at Sikorsky Aircraft, where he aided in the assembly of helicopters and repaired/overhauled their serviced gearboxes. His appreciation of precision mechanics was also represented through his love of firearms, which he enjoyed to disassemble, clean and lubricate, reassemble, and then fire for both sport and the ability to defend his family.
Also a lover of the arts, Robert was a talented sculptor and created amazing renditions of many classic Disney characters — most notably many of Snow White’s Seven Dwarves, Bambi, and his friend, Thumper. His ability to empty his endless well of facts, tidbits, and trivia about military history, war, and Golden Age Hollywood could be only put to test by the patience of those who found themselves lucky enough to sit beside him in his recliner or at the kitchen table while he enjoyed one of his favorite drinks, Budweiser, or a rum and coke. If he could’ve, every night of his life would’ve been spent padding over this trifle (to us, not to him), but anyone could only ever take so much — “Okay, Bob.“
During the last decade of his life, the most attentive ear and engaging mouth for these conversations was the life partner of his daughter, Stephen Chase. And even if there was no human around to entertain his musings, there was always Rusty, Jamie’s Yorkshire Terrier that shared half of his unexpectedly long life in Bob’s home. If Bob would laugh about anyone outliving him, it would’ve been this dog and for no reason beside their model example of a love-hate relationship.
Robert, or Bobby to the following who knew him most intimately, is survived by four siblings and their spouses: Donnie and Carol Perkins, Patty and Ray Sayers, Mary Chris and Reggie Luke, and Eileen and Tony Clericuzio. He was the brother to his fifth sibling, the late Michael Rowley and is survived by nine nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the Riverview Funeral Home, 309 River Rd., Shelton. His funeral service will follow at 6:30 PM at the parlor.
The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project — www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com
