Michael R. Perkins

The family of Michael R. Perkins sadly announces his passing on October 22nd, 2025. Mike was born in Cortland, New York on November 24, 1957. He was the first born son of Paula Natoli Perkins and James E. Perkins.

Mike was a proud lifelong resident of Groton, New York and shared countless fond memories of his time at Groton High School. He was a proud member of the ‘Half a Ton Ain’t No Fun’ crew of the 1975 varsity football team, and was referred to as "Pine Top" for his grand slam baseball abilities. Following his graduation, Mike worked a series of odd jobs, enjoying his true passions as a hunter, fisherman, and trapper. One of Mike’s most important odd jobs was at the Groton Hotel, where he met his beautiful red headed bride, Andrea. Before Mike and Andrea even started dating, Paula (God-Mom) would proudly announce to other Hotel patrons that Andrea would be her daughter-in-law and would have all of her friends sit at her daughter-in-law’s tables.

Mike and Andrea married in 1986; shortly following their wedding, they moved to their homestead in West Groton. Mike, the Mayor of West Groton, gained many friendships on the hill and was able to live out his passions. Most notably, he was the father of his four beloved children. Mike instilled a great sense of family and community among his children, family and friends. Mike was a very proud beef farmer, and had many White Faced Herefords. He truly loved caring for his animals, particularly his cows.

Mike worked for many years at the Village of Moravia as the Superintendent of Public Works, where he was a dedicated public servant. In particular, he enjoyed checking water quality, and plowing early mornings. Following his time at Moravia, Mike worked until his retirement as the Town of Groton Highway Superintendent. He was honored to serve his community, and truly treasured his time.

One of Mike’s greatest loves was being an outdoorsman, particularly spreading America’s Greatest Pastime onto children. Mike was a proud member of the Groton Rod and Gun Club, and the TriCounty Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). Mike was widely known for his marksmanship in both Trap and Skeet throughout the surrounding counties. He proudly shot on two perfect squads, his most recent with his son Mike and dear friends.

Mike’s greatest joy was his family, particularly his five grandsons who will undoubtably carry on his passion as an outdoorsman. He was proudly called "Poppa", and loved every second he got with his little guys.

In 2021, Mike was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a disorder which causes abnormal protein deposits and leads to multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. Despite the projections, and in true Mike fashion, Mike showed cancer where to shove it. He persevered well beyond what many of us expected, and gave us so many Mike Certified Memories. Mike was supported so thoughtfully and compassionately by the staff at Cayuga Hematology and Oncology and St. Joesph’s Dialysis Center in Cortland. We are eternally grateful for the care they provided him throughout his years of treatments.

Mike is survived by his wife of 39 years, Andrea (Derenberger) Perkins; his brother James ‘Jamie’ Perkins, of Lansing; daughter Mikayla (Scott) Dexter; son Michael (Michaela) Perkins; daughter Mackenzie Perkins; daughter Madalyn (Lucas Darling) Perkins; and grandsons: William, Beau, Colt, and Clay Dexter, and Michael J. Perkins.

Mike is predeceased by both of his parents, Paula and Jim, as well as his sister Candy, who similarly left before we were truly ready. 

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, October 24 at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton. A Mass in his honor will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25 at Saint Anthony’s Church, 312 Locke Road, Groton; and finally, we will be welcoming warm hugs and a crisp Labatts Blue Light at the Groton Rod and Gun Club on Saturday at 12.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Little Tags for Lifetime Sportsman Licenses (littletagsfoundation.org) or to St. Anthony’s Church of Groton.