Charles Russell Perkins

Charles Russell Perkins passed away on March 26th peacefully at 96 years of life. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years Sarah N (Hill) Perkins.

Charlie grew up in Candia NH, the youngest son of the late George and Grace (Adams) Perkins, graduating from Central High School. He was a proud United States Army combat veteran, entering the service in 1951. While fighting in the Korean War with the 5th Regimental Combat Team, he was in one of the war's most demanding engagements, known as the Punch Bowl. Upon returning from the war in 1953, he was in the U.S. Army Reserve until his discharge in September of 1959 at the rank of Sergeant. He carried that same courage and sense of duty throughout his life serving the community of Raymond for 33 years with the fire department, retiring with the rank of Deputy Chief. Charlie and Sarah were married on May 26th, 1953 and raised their family in Raymond. Charlie began his career with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation in 1948 as part of the Candia Maintenance Crew, he returned to the Department after returning from Korea and worked up to become Turnpike Maintenance Superintendent responsible for the entire 461 miles of the NH Turnpike System. Charlie retired as the last active member of the original Maintenance Division 8 of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Charlie liked square dancing, bowling, traveling and camping with Sarah, and he could often be found in his wood shop, likely working on birdhouses. He enjoyed visiting his granddaughter Alissa's horses often and sharing a meal each week with friends.

Charlie is survived by his daughter and son-in law, Catherine and Joseph Del Tufo Jr; son and daughter-in-law Charles and Rachel Perkins; Grandchildren Alissa (Del Tufo) Shevlin and her husband Chad Shevlin, Joseph Del Tufo III, Krystie Perkins, and Jonathon Perkins, as well as several great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Charlie's favored Veteran service nonprofits:

Donate - Semper Fi & America's Fund

Aiming For Zero | One Veteran Suicided is One Too Many