Douglas W. Filkins, 72
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Douglas William Filkins, 72, of 328 Eagle St. died peacefully at home on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.
Born in Hartford, Conn., on Nov. 20, 1940, son of Robert H. and Verna Leighton Filkins, he attended schools in Windsor, Conn., and graduated from Windsor High School.
An Air Force veteran, he served several years in England.
Mr. Filkins was considered a consummate salesperson, and was last employed by Zep Manufacturing until his retirement in 2000 because of ill health. He had previously worked on the road for Carriddi Sales, covering eastern New York State, and then for five years was part owner of Tuff-Kote shops in West Springfield and then North Adams.
He was an active member of First Congregational Church. He was also the longtime leader and committee member of Boy Scout Troop 88. He was an excellent mechanic and builder of race cars in his younger years, and took great pleasure in driving and rescuing family and friends stranded on the road. He enjoyed his annual trips to Florida and to NASCAR in Louden, N.H., with his friend Allen. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He and his wife, the former Julia Perry Clark, were he married on April 6, 1973.
Besides his wife of nearly 40 years, he leaves a daughter, Katherine "Kasey" Tassone and her husband, Mark, of North Adams; a son, Daniel Filkins and his wife, Mearlene, of Winter Park, Fla.; a brother, Robert H. Filkins Jr. of Kennesaw, Ga.; a sister, Elizabeth Crosby of Columbia, M.D.; seven grandchildren, Brian, Lauren, Cameron, Anthony "TJ," Trejan, Jacob and Quintin; two stepgrandchildren, Joshua and Troy; a great-grandson, Oliver, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves his faithful Chihuahuas, Pocito and Cocoa.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A memorial service for Mr. Filkins will be held at First Congregational Church in North Adams on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 2. Burial will be in the spring in Southview Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 88 in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.