Merrill M. Perkins, 82, of Methuen, died peacefully Wednesday September 24, 2014 in Lawrence General Hospital, Lawrence after being stricken ill.
Merrill was born in Boston, MA on March 26, 1932, son of the late Merrill E. and Jean (Houlihan) and lived in Lawrence most of his life before moving to Methuen 10 years ago.
Merrill proudly served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army, serving two tours of duty. Merrill was the former Sergeant of Security at Lawrence General Hospital for many years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Masons, the Shriners, and the Shriners Clown Brigade. He enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage with his family, and summers at Salisbury Beach. Most of all Merrill enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Merrill cherished every moment and memory he shared with his family.
Merrill will be sadly missed by his wife Loretta (Terreault)Perkins, two sons; Merril Perkins Jr. and his wife Judith of Lawrence, Thomas Perkins and his wife Josephine of Methuen, three daughters; Kathleen Silva of Salem, NH, Maryann Lavoie and her husband Renald of Dracut, and Teresa Perkins of Methuen, six grandchildren; Jade and Shaina Perkins, Jason and Jamie Silva, Nicholas Perkins, and Lee Lavoie, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are planning to honor and celebrate Merrill’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA on Monday September 29, 2014 from 4-8PM. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Tuesday September 30, 2104 beginning at 9AM. A funeral Mass will follow in St. Anthony Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA at 10AM. Burial will be held in St. Anthony Maronite Cemetery, North Lowell St., Methuen. Should friends desire donations in Merrill’s memory may be made to the St. Anthony Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury St. Lawrence, MA 01841. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.breenfuneralhome.com.