David Stone Perkins

David S. Perkins, 72, longtime resident of Springvale, died peacefully with his family by his side at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, November 26, 2004. Mr. Perkins loved the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and is in His presence. He was born October 5, 1932 in Buffalo, NY only child of Irving C. and June (Fischer) Perkins and took a year sabbatical with his family during his senior year, traveling across country. He received his diploma from Kenmore High School in Kenmore, NY and attended Fort Schuyler Maritime Academy at Throgs Neck, New York. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and retired following 21 years of active service, obtaining the rank of Training Devices, 1st. Class. While stationed in Maine at the Brunswick NAS, Mr. Perkins was active with the local Boy Scouts. He was also an avid stamp collector. Mr. Perkins belonged to the Arundel Masonic Lodge # 76 and the Order of Eastern Star, Aurora Chapter # 190 both of Kennebunkport, Maine. Upon retirement from the Navy, he attended the York County Community College and received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. He was employed with the Maine Turnpike in the office maintenance division for a number of years before suffering a stroke in 1987, which left him in a wheelchair for the next 17 1/2 years. Caregivers at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland encouraged and taught him to become self-suffient and independent.A minor heart attack in February 2003 took away his ability to remain independent and he made the Maine Veteran's Home in Scarborough his "home away from home." The staff in Unit C not only took excellent care of him, but they also became his extended family.He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Connie Perkins of Springvale; two sons, Thomas and wife Teri (Savoie) Perkins of Wells; Ralph and his wife Donna (Vincent) Perkins of No. Berwick. His daughters, Sandra Perkins and companion, Peter Fickett of Lyman; Sharon (Perkins) Bunker and husband, Dewey of Gorham.Also, five grandchildren, Shannon Perkins, Melissa (Perkins) Price, David Van Blaricom, Allison Bunker and Brian Bunker, and two great-grandchildren, Hailey South and Joshua Price. - His mother-in law, Dorothy Dart of Cape Porpoise, Maine, also survives him.He was predeceased by his first wife, Janice Marion Carter and by his grandson, Joshua Fischer Perkins.Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, Nov. 30th. From 6 - 8 pm at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, Dec 1, 2004 at the funeral home at 2:00 pm with Pastor Stan Rockafellow, officiating. Burial will be private.Please, family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 87 Elm Street, Suite 206, Camden, ME 04843.