Donald Perkins, 86
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Donald Perkins, 86, a resident of the Vermont Veterans Home, died there on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, after a long illness.
Born in Boston on Oct. 23, 1928, the son of Harold A. and Genevieve McLaughlin Perkins, he completed his education through the GI Bill, graduating from Emerson College in 1955 with a bachelor's degree in literary interpretation.
A proud Marine Corps veteran, he served during the Korean War.
During his 45-year career, Mr. Perkins was happily and steadily employed as a professional stage actor both on and off-Broadway, as well as in repertory theaters throughout the country. He played leading roles in classical plays by Anton Chekhov, Eugene Ionesco, Arthur Miller, Sean O’Casey, Eugene O'Neill, William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, John Steinbeck, and Tennessee Williams. He performed several roles in the Tony Award-winning play, "Borstal Boy" on Broadway and opposite Steve Allen in "The Wake."
He was also an accomplished singer and dancer and performed in many musicals. He most enjoyed playing Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" and John Adams in "1776." He played the role of Adams nearly 1,800 times, including for the Bicentennial Celebration in Philadelphia. He reached his 1,776th performance at Williamstown Theatre Festival in June 1991 under the direction of Peter Hunt.
Upon his retirement in 1993, he and his wife, the former Carol Stevens, moved from Greenwich Village to the Berkshires. He lent his support to Pittsfield High School productions under Ralph Hammann and Drury High School musicals under Dr. Len Radin. He also served as lector at the former Our Lady of Incarnation Church and the former St. Anthony of Padua Church (now St. Elizabeth of Hungary) in North Adams, and St. Patrick's Church in Williamstown.
He enjoyed skiing at Jiminy Peak, Bromley Mountain, and Stratton Mountain. He participated in the Mount Greylock Labor Day races for several years until 2007.
In addition to his unforgettable stage performances, Mr. Perkins will be remembered in the hearts of many for his infectious laughter, his winning smile, his sparkling sense of humor and his compassion for humanity and all in the animal world, especially his beloved cat, Leo. He was an avid Mets fan.
Besides his loving wife, he leaves his son, David Perkins; his godson, Matthew Palin; his stepson, Scott May and his wife, Mary; his stepdaughter, Christie Jessee and her husband, Erick; six stepgrandchildren; his brother-in-law, Michael Stevens, and his sisters-in-law, Janet Perkins, Peggy Stevens and Reenee Stevens.
He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Perkins; his brother-in-law Jack Stevens, and his former wife Gittel Tischler Perkins.
FUNERAL NOTICE — There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private. A farewell gathering will be held at St John's Episcopal Church, 35 Park St., Williamstown, on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a general contribution to the Vermont Veterans Home or one earmarked for the Namaste Program at the home in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247.
The family expresses deepest appreciation to the excellent staff at the Vermont Veterans' Home and Fillmore Pond for the fine care given to Mr. Perkins.