"So very sorry to hear this news. I know God has called Mr. Perkinson and is now being treated to all the best "dad" jokes. Please take comfort in all the great memories we share of him and all the joy and happiness he brought through the years. Diana Barndt "
In loving memory of
Thomas F. Perkinson, Jr.
January 18, 1937 - September 13, 2020
Thomas F. Perkinson Jr. passed away, Sunday, September 13th at his home in Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania. Thomas was born January 18, 1937 to Thomas and Helen (Kerner) Perkinson Sr, the third of six children.
He graduated from North Catholic High School in Philadelphia and attended Penn State University. Shortly afterward, Tom met his beautiful bride, Antoinette and he began his lifetime career in the automotive industry. He was the owner of Perky's Tires in Warminster, PA until his retirement.
Apart from work, Tom most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved to laugh. He loved to tease. You would often find him at the center of the room telling jokes, one-liners, or as he liked to say 'corkers'. His constant cheerfulness and innate tenderness allured him to anyone and everyone he met. He was a favorite uncle to many and had a deep connection to his many wonderful and talented nieces and nephews who have always held a very special place in his heart. He looked so forward to their letters and their parent's letters and we would often find him reading and re-reading them. Their letters, visits and calls gave him immeasurable comfort especially during his illness.
Tom was a faithful parishioner at St. Alphonsus, then St. Helena's Church for five decades. He was also a parishioner at Maris Stella Church in Avalon, NJ for many family-filled summers as well as at St. Williams Parish in Naples, FL in the winters following his retirement. He was devout Catholic exemplified through his service as a Eucharistic minister and daily communicant. He was a captain of the Men of Malvern and encouraged many to attend retreats at the Malvern Retreat House for the last sixty years. He was selfless with his time and served as a mentor at the Montgomery County Prison and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Antoinette (nee Gable) Perkinson. He was a devoted father of Donna M. Ramos and her husband Alex of Conshohocken, Amy Christine and her husband William of Horsham, Helen Perkinson of Huntingdon Valley, Robert Perkinson and his wife Samantha of Malvern and Mark Perkinson of Elkins Park. He was a dear brother to his sisters Kathleen Mallon (Joseph) of Philadelphia, MaryAnne Schaffner (Joseph) of Maple Shade NJ, and Helen Kambin of Devon, and was predeceased by his son Thomas and brothers Henry and Joseph Perkinson. Thomas was a doting and proud grandfather of seven. His bright, blue eyes sparkled and his smile grew wide every time he saw Tatiana, Leah and Zoe Ramos, Emily and Elizabeth Christine, and Charlotte and Thomas Perkinson. Their grandfather's kind and gentle soul will forever be with them.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, September 21, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at St. Helena's Church , 1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell PA 19422. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30AM with the Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Nicolo as Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Norristown.
Remembrances in his name to Men of Malvern, 315 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355 would be appreciated by the family.
Please note that Face Masks and Social Distancing are required at Church by COVID protocols.
Tributes
"Antoinette and family, Theresa and I send love, prayers and positive thoughts to your family. Tom always had a smile and a kind word for everyone and especially in the pool in Naples where he shared his wit and wonderful sense of humor. I?m lucky because Tom gave me a one of a kind Red Sox spring trading hat that I love, but will now keep me close in friendship and memories of Tom. Your wonderful memories will keep you strong. Love Kevin and Theresa ???"
"We want to offer deep condolences to your family. Perky was the nicest of men, and his famous shop typewriter, left us with a happy memory. Godspeed Tom. Ray & Ellen Lee (McNamara)"
"To Tom?s family, especially Antionette and children: Tom was a gift to this world. His friendliness and sense of humor brought joy to many of us. His quiet fidelity to his faith is something we all should hold dear. Blessings and Peace to all of you! Ed Hallinan"
"Antoinette, Gene and I were so sorry to hear about Tom. We will include Tom, you and the family in our evening prayers. Take care and may God be with you. Gene and Joan McCarty"