NORTHBRDGE, Mass. - William E. Perkins, 74, of 107 Heritage Dr. died Sunday, Feb. 19 after an illness.

He is survived by his longtime friend and companion Mary M. "Peg" (O'Conner) Smith; two daughters Linda M. and her husband Mark J. Valanzola of Wales MA, and Laura J. and her husband Michael Aubut of Hopkinton; four grandchildren, Michael J. Valanzola, Lindsay A. Valanzola, Joseph M. Aubut, and Katharine O. Aubut; two brothers, Richard and his wife Helen Perkins of Brookline, and Raymond Perkins of Sarasota, FL; a sister Shirley Haynes in New Hampshire; and several nephews and nieces.

Born in Cambridge on July 26, 1937, he was the son of Willard and Hazel (Smith) Perkins and lived in Whitinsville since 2003, previously living in Cranston, RI.


Mr. Perkins worked as an automotive parts and warehouse buyer for Alden Auto Parts in Somerset over 35 years. Previously he worked for the Postal Service in Cambridge as a mail handler and deliveryman. He was a graduate of English High School in Boston and always had a knack for facts and figures. He loved sports, especially the Red Sox and played baseball in his younger years. He also liked to bowl, collect stamps, and read. He was very close to his family and will be remembered as a great grandfather and dad.

His funeral will be held Thurday, Feb. 23 from Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St. with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, 1 Cross St.  Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attn: Contributions Services, 6th Fl., 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA. 02445.