V. Edward Perkins

Mr. V. Edward Perkins, a longtime resident of Melrose and Ipswich, passed away on Monday evening, December 5, 2011 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at 99 years old.

Born on August 5, 1912 in Melrose, he was one of three children of the late John Atkins Perkins and Lotta E. (Perley) Perkins. Mr. Perkins was a graduate of Melrose High School and Brown University, Class of 1935. While studying at Brown, he met his future wife, Ruth Williams, whom he would marry in December of 1941.

He proudly served his country in the US Army while deployed in a weapons and ammunition unit in European Theatre during WWII. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Melrose where he and Ruth settled and became active members of the community. He was a four-term Alderman for the City of Melrose, a member of the Licensing Board for an additional 15 years, member of the Melrose Historical Society, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church.

His 35-year working career began as statistician in Boston and then in New York City before returning to Boston where he worked for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. He retired in 1977 as Senior Planner, Space Planning and Design, and Telecommunications. He was a member emeritus of the New England Telecommunications Association.

As one of the original families to settle in Ipswich, Mr. Perkins had long established ties to the town and in particular, the area along the Ipswich River known as Perkins Island. He was a summer resident of Ipswich and acted as the steward of Perkins Island over his many years of life. He was a member of the Ipswich Historical Society, and a 60-year member of the Ipswich Outboard Club.

Mr. Perkins was the ... READ MORE →

Mr. V. Edward Perkins, a longtime resident of Melrose and Ipswich, passed away on Monday evening, December 5, 2011 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at 99 years old.

Born on August 5, 1912 in Melrose, he was one of three children of the late John Atkins Perkins and Lotta E. (Perley) Perkins. Mr. Perkins was a graduate of Melrose High School and Brown University, Class of 1935. While studying at Brown, he met his future wife, Ruth Williams, whom he would marry in December of 1941.

He proudly served his country in the US Army while deployed in a weapons and ammunition unit in European Theatre during WWII. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Melrose where he and Ruth settled and became active members of the community. He was a four-term Alderman for the City of Melrose, a member of the Licensing Board for an additional 15 years, member of the Melrose Historical Society, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church.

His 35-year working career began as statistician in Boston and then in New York City before returning to Boston where he worked for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. He retired in 1977 as Senior Planner, Space Planning and Design, and Telecommunications. He was a member emeritus of the New England Telecommunications Association.

As one of the original families to settle in Ipswich, Mr. Perkins had long established ties to the town and in particular, the area along the Ipswich River known as Perkins Island. He was a summer resident of Ipswich and acted as the steward of Perkins Island over his many years of life. He was a member of the Ipswich Historical Society, and a 60-year member of the Ipswich Outboard Club.

Mr. Perkins was the beloved husband of the late Ruth E. (Williams) Perkins with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Devoted father of Virginia A. Mamdani and her late husband Abe of Brentwood, England. Dear brother of the late Marian G. Perkins and J. Perley Perkins. Cherished grandfather of Geoffrey Mamdani of Brussels, Belgium and Caroline Bloodworth of Orpington Kent, England. Loving great-grandfather of Edward Mamdani of Brussels, Belgium, Charlotte Bloodworth and Emilia Bloodworth, both of Orpington Kent, England. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will gather to remember and honor Edward's life on Friday, December 9 for visiting hours from 4-7 PM at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St, Melrose and on Saturday morning at the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose where his Funeral Service will be celebrated at 12 Noon. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.