David L. Perkins

PETERSHAM - David L. Perkins, 63 of Petersham died November 15, 2010 at U Mass Medical Center, Worcester following complications from surgery. Born April 12, 1947 in Holden, MA he was the son of the late Charlie P. and Elsa Perkins. David lived his entire life on the family farm at 45 Maple Lane, Petersham, MA. On July 6, 1968 he married his high school sweetheart Irene (Rice) Perkins, and at the time of his death they had enjoyed 42 years of grand adventures together, as they raised their family, managed their farm business, and traveled extensively. David also leaves two children of whom he was extremely proud: Jeffrey D. Perkins, and Irene E. Graeff and her husband Kurt, both of Petersham. The joy of his life were five wonderful grandchildren who filled his days with love and excitement. He was beloved "Bubba" to: Kurtis Graeff, Hannah Perkins, Emily Perkins, Gwen Perkins, and Sarah Graeff. He leaves his brothers and their wives: Charlie H. and Mary Perkins of Templeton, Clyde and Helen Perkins of Warwick, and Robert and Monika Perkins of Petersham. He also predeceased his father-in-law True Rice, brother-in-law Warren Rice, and sisters-in-law: Carolyn Wright, Laurel Wilber, Sylvia Moriarty, Marjorie Parker, Betty Coletti and their families. David leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a wide circle of friends including his special "coffee crew". He was a graduate of New Salem Academy, and his entire career was spent as a farmer, as he pursued his love of the nature and desire to leave this world a better place. He was active in many civic, agricultural, and community organizations including: director of Worcester County Farm Bureau, Farm Service Agency advisory committee, Worcester County Conservation Committee, board member and past president of the Hardwick Farmer's Co-operative, Agway committeeman, member and past president of the Petersham Lions club, long time Petersham volunteer fire fighter, member of the Petersham Conservation Commission and Davenport Committee, and Petersham's Animal Inspector. In the past couple of years David also spearheaded restoration of the historic Ledgeville Schoolhouse, and worked tirelessly toward a solution as a member of the Nichewaug Inn task force. David worked hard, enjoyed life, and spending time with his family was his greatest pleasure. He and Irene traveled throughout the United States and Caribbean, but his favorite vacations were spent with the entire family on Cape Cod. He loved his farm on Maple Lane, and it was a place where family and friends are always welcome. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Orthodox Congregational Church 21 North Main St., Petersham. Burial will follow in East Street Cemetery, Petersham. Calling hours will be held Friday, November 19, 2010 from 1 to 3 and from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main St., Athol. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Petersham Fire Dept. scholarship fund c/o Becky Legare, 20 Hardwick Road, Petersham, MA 01366 or the New Salem Academy scholarship fund c/o Gabriele Voelker, 76 William Rice Road, New Salem, MA 01355. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.fiskefuneralhome.com. Fiske Funeral Home of Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });