Thomas R. Perkins Jr. ’96

Key Largo, FL – Thomas R. Perkins, Jr. (Tommy) age 58, died on Wednesday, May 30th at his home in Key Largo, Florida. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 28, 1953.

He grew up in Rhinebeck, NY and Hyde Park, NY, graduating in 1971 from Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Poughkeepsie, NY. He earned degrees from Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, New York and from Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine. While at Maine Maritime he also earned his US Coast Guard Master 100 Ton Near Coastal License.

He became a City of Poughkeepsie Police Officer in 1974 and retired after 20 years. While on the Police Department he served as Crime Scene Technician, Senior Firearms Instructor, Senior Officer in charge of Street Narcotics Group, and Personal Aide to the Chief of Police. His citations include Police Dept. Medal of Honor, 2 Combat Awards, 5 Excellent Police Duty Awards, and 4 Life-Saving Awards.

After retiring from the police force, Tommy obtained his degree from Maine Maritime and began a new career in Florida as a boat captain at Biscayne National Park. He also operated private charters in the Florida Keys featuring sport fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and environmental tours in Florida Bay.

Tommy is survived by his son, Colin A. Perkins of Poughkeepsie, NY; his mother, Kathleen Flaherty Ehlers, of Gainesville, VA; his father, Thomas R. Perkins, Sr. and wife Lenore of Charlestown, RI; one brother, Jerome F. Perkins, and wife, Darlene of Bolton, MA; sisters, Kathleen A. Boehmer and husband Stewart of Gainesville, VA; Erin M. Perkins, and husband Christopher Barboza of Georgetown, MA; Robin E. Perkins, and husband Clifford Selbert of Malibu, CA; nephew, Michael Perkins; nieces, Megan Perkins, Caleigh Perkins, Devin Boehmer, Jade Boehmer, and Galen Selbert-Perkins. Tommy is also survived by his faithful and constant companion, his yellow Labrador, Lois. He also leaves behind numerous and loving aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues and friends.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Burnett & White Funeral Home, 91 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY, and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Keys Animal Shelter,105951 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037.