Tom Perkins, better known as TP, was a proud husband, father, grandfather, friend and business owner. On December 15, TP lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 58. Tom was born in San Francisco, attended Bellarmine High School and USF, all the while working at the family Harley Dealership under the leadership of his father and taking over ownership in 1996.

At eighteen years old, while riding his motorcycle, Tom was hit by a truck in downtown San Francisco where the doctors at SF General saved his life. Tom donated continuously to SFGH over the years, being recognized in 2014 as a San Francisco General Heroes & Hearts Award Recipient. TP also had an incredible amount gratitude and appreciation for our military and armed forces, making veterans' support a constant priority for both himself and his company.

Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Janet; his children, son Christopher & his wife Rebecca and daughter Nicole; and his grandchildren Wesley and Johnny. Tom is one of 5 children, with loving siblings James and wife Jane, brother Bill and wife Glee, and caring sisters Dana and Mary, and mother Virginia Perkins. Tom's father, Dudley Perkins Jr. lost his own battle with pancreatic cancer in 1997. Members of his family have shown an abundance of support over the last year to TP, his wife and his children. Tom's extended family of dedicated employees, customers and friends have helped tremendously through this time.

A reception in his honor is scheduled for January 1 at Dudley Perkins Company, beginning at 12pm, immediately following Tom's traditional New Year's Day Ride. All are welcome to attend and celebrate TP's incredibly rich life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's name can be sent to SF General or Wounded Warrior Project.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 24 to Dec. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Perkins

10 Entries

JAMES WHITAKER

August 19, 2024

Tp my old friend, boss and mentor. I rember working on 123 van Ness with you. My memories of time with the company and working with the family there I will always cherish. My heart breaks for your family. Retired Sargent US Army James Whitaker

Antonio Massa

September 27, 2019

Great memories spent together during the time of Andromeda. I was helping you to deal with Perini Navi in Viareggio, Italy and was teaching the language that you always liked to learn. I remember when Sophia Loren was invited to Belvedere for lunch and your interest with the Italian Consulate in San Francisco where I was the legal officer. A candle for you Tom.
Antonio Massa

September 26, 2019

I first met Tom and his father Dudley back in December 1989. I have been dreaming about owning a harley and there was a 1987 harley heritage in the showroom. I liked the bike went home and the next day and came in and bought the bike and I still have that bike. Tom and Dudley were always very warm and welcoming and Tom you are missed. To your wonderful family we are so sorry for their loss.

Ken and Debbie

December 27, 2016

Jacqueline Pritchard

December 26, 2016

I knew Tom thru the Golden Gate Chapter that Dudley Perkins Harley Davidson Dealership supported. My years of involvement where approx.from 1996-2000. Tom was a reserved generous man. Sorry to hear of the loss.

Antonio Massimo Massa

July 26, 2016

Condolences to the family of Tom Perkins. Sorry for the delay I was in Italy, where I come from. I knew Tom for long time and his first wife Gerd. We spend lovely time together when Tom was learning Italian language for the first construction of his beloved Andromeda. I was helping Tom with the liaison with Perini Navi, Viareggio, Italy and teaching Italian language at the Office in Embarcadero and at his house in Belvedere Island. We loved our company going to different restaurants in the City and talking in Italian. Again my heartfelt condolences.
Baron Antonio Massimo Massa

Soft Tail Custom Tom Sold to Me

Stan Scott

March 24, 2016

In 1986 I walked through the doors of Dudley Perkins Harley Davidson at 66 Page Street, San Francisco and met a young salesman there that was not too much older than myself who simply introduced himself as, Tom. I had no idea at the time who he was or his significance to the dealership.

Though I was somewhat of an experienced motorcycle rider by that time, I had never owned a Harley Davidson and knew absolutely nothing about their motorcycles. Tom spent nearly the entire day with me telling stories of the dealership and the history behind Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Throughout the course of the day I had taken 3 motorcycle's out for a test ride but could not decide which was best for me or if I was even going to purchase one. I left for the evening, returning home to San Jose.

The following day I returned to 66 Page Street and met with Tom once again and test rode the same three motorcycles. Tom saw that I was gravitating toward the Soft Tail Custom but was still having difficulty deciding. That's when Tom did something that I felt was unprecedented, even for that time in history...He said to me, Stan, I can see that your interested in that Soft Tail so, why don't you take it home for the evening and let me know tomorrow what you want to do. "What?" I thought to myself. No collateral, no-money down, just take the bike home for the evening - to me, Tom demonstrated an unparalleled degree of trust by allowing me to just ride off on a bike that was worth nearly $10,000 out the door. That night, as I sat in my garage I kept staring at that Soft Tail, thinking how good she looked, sitting there...but what was really occupying my mind more so was Tom's overwhelming trust in me to bring her home that night.

The following morning, I returned to the store and Tom asked how I enjoyed my ride home the night before...I simply just handed him $10k cash and called her my own.

Tom sold me more than just a Harley Davidson motorcycle that day, he sold me a memorable life experience and from that day forward I've been riding nothing but Harley's; I even purchased my second Harley from Tom.

Tom was truly a remarkable man that will be missed by thousands that he came into contact with over the years.

Godspeed, Tom. May you enjoy your eternity riding with the Big-Honcho upstairs.

Dennis Ahern

January 6, 2016

In the 1980s in was my privilege to work with TP for his dad, Dudley Jr., and then in the 1990s, for TP himself as he led the Perkins family dealership. The 1980s were rough for Harley and I vividly remember how, as a young 20s-something kid, TP's irrepressible enthusiasm for the daily work sustained the entire dealership staff. Later, even though things seemed better for Harley, the times were, in fact, even more challenging for the dealership. It was then that I got a chance to observe how the kid from the 1980s had matured into a visionary business executive that never wavered in his loyalty to the Harley brand, his staff and most importantly, his customers. Happy trails, TP, you were always a class act.

December 27, 2015

May you rest in peace..... God bless you Janet, Nicole and Christopher

December 27, 2015

What we will miss about Tom is that he was a good family man, honest and fun. We will miss the family, altogether, wife, Janet, and his children (now adults) Christopher and Nicole. We were neighbors and friends, and although we have moved away, we will still miss Tom and think of him often. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and extend our love to the entire family during this time.
Denise and Michael Brownstein

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