On Monday, July 3, 2023, at the age of 72, Robert C. Perks, a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania, embarked on the biggest journey of his life surrounded by love, and was met at heaven's gate by so many loved ones.
He is survived by his two sons, Keith Perks and Evan Perks, whom he loved unconditionally.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Castner Perks; and a brother, Tom Perks.
Bob, born July 18, 1950, graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School, attended Luzerne County Community College and Penn State Wilkes-Barre, where he studied mass communications. Bob served in the U.S. Navy.
Bob had family and many friends during his life who meant everything to him! He had friends and followers across the world, many who he had never met who loved him dearly.
Bob's words to live by: "It's not just another day, it's another chance."
Bob's personal mission in life was to "touch the world one person at a time." Bob spent his working years as an inspirational writer and motivational speaker as well as being a corporate trainer. Bob was an inspirational author, speaker, life coach and vocalist. He worked for over 20 years in the nonprofit sector. Bob also worked with hospice. Bob was known for hosting his programs on WILK Radio as well as WVIA-TV. He would write stories, create videos, produce memes, write poems/prayers, sing or share songs as his way of showing his support for people that he loved and cared about that were going through difficult times. Bob continued writing and creating after his retirement, most recently hosting the podcast, "The Cat and Bobby P" as well as creating many videos or reels which are now treasures that he left behind on YouTube and TikTok. Bob's signature story, "I Wish You Enough" is recognized worldwide. Bob was bestowed the honor of being a "Heartwarmer Gem" from Heartwarmers.com, a distinction only given to the most beloved writers. His writings would reach 1.35 million people daily! Bob was the president of Creative Motivation. He was a columnist on Beliefnet.com, contributor to Heartwarmers.com and contributing writer for Chicken Soup for the Soul and Stories for the Heart Series Google Books.
Bob's unique perspective on life made him "the philosopher of everyday moments" and he would often write stories about the most ordinary experiences even as simple as meeting someone special at a grocery store!
Bob was lovingly known as "Bobby P" or "DJ Bobby P." He loved to share his love of music! During his time at Daniel Flood Towers in Kingston, Bob would often provide music and DJ for the residents. He was known for his love of holidays, making sure no one felt alone! He would share food, gifts and always loved to decorate for each event! He planned these events weeks in advance. His biggest joy was seeing everyone enjoy these events and getting to sing for them. He would call "BINGO" and loved to have a good karaoke party! Bob always saw the beauty in all things. He seemed to notice the small details that no one else seemed to notice. He had a great appreciation for nature, especially flowers and beautiful gardens. He often spoke of his magnificent gardens and the beautiful butterflies that visited. Bob had many fur babies over the years that he adored and cherished. Most recently he had his loyal companion, Phil and his beautiful cat, Selena.
Taken from Bob's book, "The Flight of a Lifetime," "In my last day on this earth I will leave filled with joy to a better place knowing that I have served my purpose and completed my mission. I will leave behind my energy that will disperse into every rock, tree and molecule. I will not wither to the ground as failure and serve as a pathway. I will rise with the sun to bring joy forever to those who will dream after me. I am important. I am successful. I am God's creation. I am alive!"
Bob will forever be loved and remembered by countless friends that became his family. Everyone could always count on Bob to listen, be there, support and encourage them. He always knew exactly what to say and had the best advice and wisdom to share. Bob would always stop whatever he was doing and pray with you and tell you that he loved you. He always encouraged and reached out to others regardless of what was happening in his world.
In parting, Bob would always say to everyone he loved, "I believe in you!" He often ended his stories by saying, "Love always and in all ways" and/or "I will see you in my prayers." A footnote on many of Bob's stories also included, "When your days are filled with love, warmth and joy my many prayers will be answered."
In Bob's own words, "I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough 'Hellos' to get you through the final 'Goodbye.'"
Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date from Daniel J. Hughes Funeral & Cremation Service, Wilkes-Barre.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Daniel J. Hughes Funeral & Cremation Service.
Jen Mezes
July 18, 2025
Happy birthday Bob, would be your 75th!!...just took a walk in your garden with you...miss you...
Ann Flanders
July 7, 2025
RIP dear Bob. You are missed. Two years have gone by since you left us. Blessings. Hope you are with your beloved dogs.
Julianne
July 6, 2025
A truly inspirational human being that loved life and everything in life.Miss you so much Bob...A true blessing and a true friend.
Ann Flanders
February 21, 2025
Know you are missed Bob.
Blessings
Annie!
Jen Mezes
July 17, 2024
Tomorrow you would be 74. Happy heavenly birthday Bob....we miss you so much...reading all the memories others left last year and I've never had the heart to write anything here.... We love you...we miss you....you truly were one of the worlds greatest treasures...I know you are at peace.
Michael Lewis
August 1, 2023
You will be missed
Mike
Lydia
August 1, 2023
You wished us enough throughout your life. I now wish you enough of heaven. You will be dearly missed so will your inspiration.
Becky Howarth
July 19, 2023
07/17/2023
My friend, Bob Perks, passed away on July 3, 2023. I got a sign from Heaven this morning from my friend Bob. I had told his friend Scott to have Bob send me a sign from heaven. One of Bob's favorite sayings was "I Believe in You." This morning I had a chat with Lindsey. One of the automated responses was "I Believe in You!" [7:59 AM] Howarth, Becky
I believe in you!
Julianne Hodges
July 19, 2023
Bob I miss you ..
I knew you for near 20 years though I never met you..you gave me so much joy and peace..Rip beautiful man.
Ann Flanders
July 19, 2023
{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}} for you dear Bob. Today is your birthday. I hope there is a big celebration for you in Heaven. Blessings, .... Annie
Shannon Carter
July 18, 2023
Bob touched my life in many ways in the last 10 years as a fervent reader of his Facebook posts and his newsletters before them. His life was full of such sorrows that he turned into life lessons for his "friends that he hadn´t met yet". By reading his words I learned that life is to be enjoyed and lived no matter what happens. I pray his sons will be remembering him as a loving father and a blessed man.Thank you for sharing your life and love with all of your online friends! I believe in you. Shannon Carter
Maureen
July 17, 2023
Bob perks you will
Always be remembered we always joked if one of us won lotto we would hop on the plane and met well it never happened I never got to met you in America and likewise we never met here innNew Zealand but one day Bob I met you above I no where to find you singing karaoke with the biggest smile .Thank you forever loved and never forgotten Maureen
Linda
July 15, 2023
I've known Bob for over 25 years...but never met him...I've never known anyone who was as selfless and giving of himself and his many blessings as Bob was...he truly was a special man...I would say as close to an Angel here on earth as I've ever known! His love for everyone he came in contact with was genuinely honest and pure...He deserved so much more than this life could offer...but he never complained about the injustice of so many things. May he rest in the loving arms of our eternal God...and may he sing with the Angels forever! Love you always...You will be missed!
Jennifer Neathery
July 14, 2023
Bob always had a kind word and was a great inspiration to so many. Not a holiday or event went by that he would not try to put together something for the residents of his building, and he always wanted to make sure everyone had what they needed.
He went above and beyond, and I will miss his stories greatly. He always had words of encouragement to pass on and a heart of gold. Say hello to Phil for us and I am so thankful Selena found a home. I wish you enough!!!
Laura Cooper and Roy Sutton
July 14, 2023
What we meant to say was we loved when Bob had and sang karaoke! Not he, WE! Typo! Rest in peace to the Karaoke King! Love and miss you. Love, Laura Cooper and Roy Sutton.
Diana Davis
July 14, 2023
I've been listening to Bob's advice for many years. Bought his Wish you enough poster back in the early 2000s. I'm very saddened by his death. I pray that he finally has peace. He will definitely be missed!
Mary
July 14, 2023
I will dearly miss Bob's encouraging words. Glad he is no longer in pain but enjoying eternal rest. I'm another friend he never met but look forward to meeting him in Heaven.
Carla Cilvik
July 13, 2023
Wonderful guy! I never had the opportunity to meet Bob in person...we connected through facebook as fellow writers and he was a family friend. Bob was someone who I saw give selflessly- to others and his cat, Selena! He always looked at the bright side of life despite his health struggles. He had a fantastic sense of humor. Bob had a huge heart that was filled to the brim with Love. I'm happy I got to know him as much as I did.
Bob, this poem is for you. I'm happy our paths crossed.
Paths
Who or what determines how
We cross paths
With those who etch
A mark or two on
Our lives?
The ones we tightly
Bond with and
The ones we spend
Our forever with.
Hard not to think
It´s all predetermined
In this great
Cosmic swirling of
Emotions and thoughts-
Tidal waves
That spend great time
And energy swelling-
Just to come crashing down.
And what of those
Whom we intersect with
That are an opposing force?
Why even meet them
At all?
There´s always
A lesson.
Then there are those
You meet who are
In between.
Inexplicably, they come
Into our lives-
Sometimes
At the right moment-
Like storm clouds parting
For the perfect sunset.
You may not
Get to know them
Beyond their
Daily habits
And hobbies.
Passions seep through
And shine if they´re
Bold.
Yet, you feel
Their soul-
True intentions,
Deeper purpose,
Inner strength.
Sometimes, it´s these
"In between" friends
That have the ability
To touch us-
Send a spark
To inspire.
You tend to
Crave a little more-
Like anxiously shifting in your seat
To see the perfect firework
In the distance
Through a canopy
Of dense trees.
The moments-fleeting.
Yet, the beauty
Is there.
It is enough.
Carol Maciolek
July 13, 2023
Keith, im so sorry for the loss of your father. I was your landlord quite a few years ago, in Georgetown. I now live in the building, please stop and see me sometime. I will pray for you and your family through this tough time.
Carol Maciolek
Laura Cooper and Roy Sutton
July 13, 2023
Mere words are not enough to express our grief and sadness at the passing of our dear friend, Bob! He was the kindest, sweetest, compassionate, and helpful person. We will always remember him being first person to welcome us after moving into Dan Flood Towers. He will always fondly be remembered for the parties, picnics, and get-togethers he threw for all tenants, especially for those who had no family. He will always remember fondly him having karaoke and his blessed, wonderful voice! He always thought of others before himself and will never be forgotten for that! Rest in peace, dear Bob, in loving arms of our Lord! Love and prayers to his sons and whole family and all who had honor of calling him "friend"! Love always, Laura Cooper and Roy Sutton.
Diane
July 13, 2023
Went to school with Bob. Many years ago. He had a great singing voice and was the
Nicest of nice. Rest in Peace Bob. Prayers are with you.
Johanna Prochaska Lambert
July 13, 2023
THOUGH THE HEAVENS SMILE...THE EARTH MOURNS...
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE...AND THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS REMINDED US...A NEW DAY MEANS A NEW CHANCE...
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR KIN...
Sharon Ballentine
July 13, 2023
We were friends who never met but you shared your life with all of us at least 25 years or more through your wonderful writings. i always looked forward to receiving your email. They were just the message I needed quite often. You will be dearly missed by so many people whose lives you have touched. You truely made a difference. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
Cassie
July 13, 2023
Bob was one of the best people I've ever had the honor of meeting. I hope he knew just how much he was respected, appreciated, and loved.
diane and joe flannery
July 13, 2023
You were a very special person with a very loving and caring heart. You will be missed here but you are safe and well in heaven looking down on us to spread the love you gave to others.
Patricia London
July 13, 2023
I will always love you Bob you were my heart I will never forget you my friend I will always keep your memory alive as long as I'm alive rip my heart love your friend patty
M. Wanyo
July 12, 2023
Bob. Geez where do i start. When i first met you you were just a positive light shining. You always took the time to speak with me and my daughter. Always asked how we were doing. You made an impact in our lives. I wish i could have the love you spread to others. Im just glad i have had the chance to be blessed with you in my life. Though it wasnt a very long time. That short time i will always remember. You are singing with the angels now. Rest easy my friend.
Deborah
July 12, 2023
A true blessing.
Rest in peace Bob Perks
Scott J Schwabe
July 12, 2023
I´ll miss you always, in all ways! I love you my friend!
Scott J Schwabe
July 12, 2023
I´ll miss you always in all ways!
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