WELLSVILLE – Robert Daniel “Bob” Perkins, 69, passed away Wednesday (December 22, 2021) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville as a result of complications of Covid-19.
Mr. Perkins was born on July 29, 1952 in North Hornell to Daniel G. and Janet M. (Livergood) Perkins. He was a 1970 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School and later attended Alfred State College. On September 7, 1974, at Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, he married Bonnie J. Knepfler, who survives.
Robert spent his professional life working in the retail industry for Wellsville’s Bells Supermarket until 1993 and Wellsville’s Giant Food Mart until retirement in 2013.
In addition to his wife of 47 years, Bob is survived by two daughters, Bridget (Brian) Makeley of Wellsville and Diane (Stephen III) Jarbeck of Hornell; six siblings, Richard (Marjorie) Perkins of Andover, James (Maryjane) Perkins of Fillmore, Teresa Carlin of Wellsville, Kathy (Tom) Conner of Andover, Karl (Ellen) Perkins of Andover and Kevin (Jayme) Perkins of Bolivar; one sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Michael) Vossler of Shongo; one brother-in-law, Matthew (Sandy) Knepfler of Yorks Corners; four grandchildren, Cynthia Jarbeck, Jasmine Jarbeck, Aleacia Makeley and Stephen Jarbeck, IV; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bob loved his family. By being there and supporting his family to watching sports with his wife and granddaughter Aleacia. His daughter Bridget fondly remembers the day her dad walked her down the aisle and shared their father/daughter dance. His daughter Diane looks back on the county fairs and country concerts they would go to as a family.
Bob came from a family of firefighters and EMTs. Through the years, he was a member of the Wellsville or Andover Volunteer Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps, most recently a member of the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company #3.
Bob was very civic minded in other ways. He was a member of the Alfred-Almond Future Farmers of America in high school, 4H group known at that time as the Elm Valley Harvesters and later was a member of the Almond Grange for many years. He was a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge. Bob also served as a crossing guard for Wellsville Central School for many years.
Bob taught Sunday School at Immaculate Conception Church and at one time was a Eucharistic Minister there. He was very involved in the Salvation Army Church where he volunteered as a bell ringer during the Christmas season and was a Senior Soldier there, serving in many capacities.
Bob enjoyed reading and loved Bible word searches.
Due to the current Covid-19 restraints, the family is planning a memorial service at a time and date to be determined. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the Salvation Army Red Kettle fund or a Volunteer Fire Department of the donors choosing. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.