Obituary of David A. Perkins

David Perkins, a man of quiet strength, quick wit and an uncanny ability to catch every joke-no matter how softly spoken, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Woburn on Friday, February 21. He left behind a lifetime of laughter, love and well-placed duct tape.

Born and raised in York, ME, David was the oldest of seven children of Clarence and Geneva “Jane” (Rollins) Perkins. He was educated in the York school system and graduated from York High School prior to starting his own handyman business. 

David met the love of his life, Peggy Nagle in York, Maine. She would spend summers with family and friends and David became part of their group of friends. The two noticed they were destined to be more than just friends and began dating. They were married on March 12, 1976, and children quickly followed. The two, with children in tow, moved from York to their forever home in Woburn to raise their family.  They shared a deep bond and loved spending time as a family camping and enjoying all four seasons New England has to offer. 

A true “go-with-the flow” kind of guy, he knew where he stood and not much got under his skin. His calm and cool demeanor made him very easy to talk to and befriended him to many. David could fix just about anything with his trusty roll of duct tape, much to the amazement (and occasional skepticism) of those around him. His real talent lay in woodworking, with skilled hands and a patient heart, he crafted pieces that his family will cherish forever. 

 David found his greatest joy outdoors, whether it was camping, fishing, deer hunting, or in the winter, skiing or tearing through the snow on a snowmobile, he was in his element being outside. Bowling was another passion, and whether he was competing against or alongside family members, he played with a mix of skill and good-natured ribbing that endeared him to anyone within earshot. He did enjoy his time relaxing watching NASCAR, rooting on his beloved Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics or Patriots and watching WWE wrestling when Peggy was not at home. 

A devoted Boston sports fan, he made sure to pass the love of sports to his children. Whether it was on the softball field with Christine, or teaching his sons, Derrick and David, how to skate as he helped coach Woburn Youth Hockey or their baseball teams, David loved being involved in his children’s lives. He adored his grandchildren, cherished family gatherings, and was a master of the Irish exit-always leaving the party on his own terms, often unnoticed until someone would finally ask, “Hey, where’s Big Dave?”

During retirement, both David and his wife took jobs with the City of Woburn as crossing guards to give back to the community that they love. David loved to dress in costumes for every holiday not only for their grandchildren and children of Woburn but also for the motorists. If a motorist saw Santa, a leprechaun, or a giant turkey stopping traffic, it was David. 

He will always be remembered as a kind, devoted husband, father and grandfather, who would drop whatever he was in the middle of, to help anyone in need. 

David was predeceased by his daughters, Carolyn, Alicia and Kathleen, his parents, Clarence and Jane Perkins, a sister, Darlene, brothers, Bobby and Alan Perkins, brother-in-law John Nagle and a sister-in-law Donna Nagle

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Perkins of Woburn, daughter, Christine Tapley and her husband Steve of Billerica, two sons, Derrick Perkins of Woburn and David Perkins and his partner Lashanta Magnusson, of Milford, NH., five grandchildren, Rey, Katelyn, Courtney, Ryan and Nick, a brother Daniel  Perkins, two sisters, Sharon and Dianne, brother in laws Gene Nagle, Jim Nagle and his wife Patricia McDonough, Bob Nagle and his partner Ann, sisters-in-law, Paula, Judy, Carol and Jeannie Nagle, Mary Martell and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Thursday, February 27, from 4-7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington., His funeral home service will be Friday, February 28, at 11am. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family. To leave a condolence to his family or to view his memorial slide show, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (link) or to the Arbor Day Foundation (link)