Robert A. Perkins

Robert A. “Bob” Perkins, 83, of Upton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 19, 2026, while driving to Maine with his family for their cherished annual vacation. He was the beloved husband of Ann L. (Soderberg) Perkins, his next-door neighbor whom he met at just 11 years old in 1954. They became friends, later reconnected, then shared 59 beautiful years of marriage.

Bob was a proud United States Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. In the late 1960’s, he was stationed in Korea and Okinawa. Following his military service, Bob went on to build a long and dedicated career. He worked for Raytheon for many years and briefly served as the Upton Town Treasurer and Collector before becoming the Upton Town Accountant, a position he held for 20 years.

Bob was deeply involved in his community and generously gave his time and talents to the organizations he cared about. He was a member of the Massachusetts BASS Federation for 40 years and proudly served as its Treasurer for more than 20 years. He was also the Treasurer of the Upton Grange and served as Treasurer and Statistician of the Upton Men’s Bowling League for many years. He was a longtime member of the United Parish of Upton. Bob was a longtime member of the Sutton Squares Square Dancing Club. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling and the friendships that came with them.

An avid fisherman, Bob found his greatest happiness in fishing and spending time with his family. The two were inseparable parts of his life and became beautifully intertwined through a tradition he started more than 20 years ago. Bob first came to Lake Cobbosseecontee in Maine for a fishing tournament. After experiencing the beauty of the lake and the joy of fishing there, he returned home and told his wife, Ann, that they needed to bring the whole family to the lake every year. A beloved family tradition was born. For more than two decades, Bob and his family returned to their cherished lake, creating countless memories together. He knew the best fishing spots and loved sharing his passion for fishing with the people he loved most. What began with a fishing tournament became one of the greatest gifts Bob gave his family – a place where generations could gather, spend time together, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The lake became more than just a destination; it became a part of their family and a place forever connected to Bob’s love for fishing and his family.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ann, Bob leaves behind his children, Richard Perkins and Deborah Perkins and her partner, Jay Tonry; his daughter in-law, Tracee Perkins; his grandchildren, Danielle Perkins and Alexandra Perkins; and his great-grandchildren, Olivia Knight and Logan Knight, who brought him immense joy.

He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Leclaire, wife of the late Arthur “Bud” Leclaire Jr, and Judy Rooks. He was predeceased by his sister Sally Dupre, who was the wife of Richard Dupre, who survives her. Bob also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

Bob will be remembered for his deep love of his family, his passion for fishing, his dedication to his community, and the many friendships he formed throughout his life. Above all, he will be remembered for the traditions he created and the memories he gave his family. His legacy will live on every time his family gathers at Lake Cobbosseecontee, casts a line in the water, and remembers the man who started it all.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 29, at the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 30, at the United Parish of Upton Church, 1 Church Street, Upton. Burial with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Upton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Food Pantry at the United Parish of Upton Church, P.O Box 382, Upton, MA 01568 or via www.unitedparishupton.org/food-pantry.