Roy Elwin Perkins

Roy Elwin Perkins

Town of Wappingers - Roy Elwin Perkins

WWII Veteran

Town of Wappingers - Roy Elwin Perkins, 85, an area resident for over 50 years died Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie.

A former employee of International Business Machines before his retirement in 1991, he worked at I.B.M.'s Flight Operations at the Dutchess County Airport as an Aircraft and Engine Technician. Passionate about aviation, he attended aviation schools where he received his certifications/licenses.

Drafted while attending his senior year in high school, on July 3, 1945 Roy was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served active duty with the 2628th Postal Directory Company in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations in Italy. Earning the rank of Corporal 2nd Class, he was honorably discharged on February 25, 1947.

Born on February 1, 1927 in Fleischmanns, New York, he was the son of Gordon and Goldie Perkins.

In addition to a keen interest in aviation, Roy enjoyed gardening and building. He had outstanding carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills and an excellent understanding of engineering and design. He could build and repair anything from basic home repairs to designing and building major projects. He took pride in his work which reflected it in the finished products. He firmly believed that whatever you start or undertake, do it right the first time from start to finish.

On July 11, 1954, he married the love of his life, Betty McVey Robinson of Poughkeepsie, at St. James Episcopal Church, Hyde Park, New York. He met her while learning to fly at the Stormville Airport. She predeceased him in 2006.

He is survived by his two daughters, Dawn Perkins at home and Bonnie Foote and her husband Stephen, of the Town of Clinton; two grandchildren, Rebecca and David Foote, both of the Town of Clinton; a sister Dorothy "Betty" Young of Shortsville and many nieces and nephews.

Roy was predeceased by two brothers, Hugh and George Perkins, and a sister, Pauline "Peggy" Klabe.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Aug. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home at 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Aug. 24 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the family plot at Union Cemetary, Rte. 9G in Hyde Park.

Donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538.

To send condolences or for directions, please visit: http://www.doylefuneralhome.com.