Sherry W. Perkins, 83, of 119 West Remington St., Black River, passed May 8, 2016 at the Samaritan Medical Center.

Born on August 25, 1932 in West Carthage, NY, son of Walter and Evelyn Peck Perkins, he graduated from Augustinian Academy in 1950.

Following graduation, he attended Boston College receiving an advanced degree in jet; airplane and turbo mechanics .He entered the US Air Force on April 3, 1951 and served during the Korean War.  He received the National Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  He was honorably discharged on April 2, 1955.  He received the Korean War Veteran of the Year honor in 2015, bestowed by the Black River American Legion, Post 673.

He married Eileen I. McLean on June 13, 1953 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Black River.  The couple moved to Victorville, CA and upon his discharge from the Air Force the family returned to NY. In 2013 the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. On May 20, 2014 Eileen passed away.

Mr. Perkins was a member of the IBEW Local 910 and worked for McLean Electric as an electrician up until his retirement in 1994.

He enjoyed hunting and bowling and was a dedicated fan of the Watertown Red & Black Football Team. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to Florida following their retirement.  He was an avid golfer and was a member at Highland Meadows Golf & Country Club.

Mr. Perkins was past President, Assistant Fire Chief and member of the Board of Directors of the Black River Fire Department. He was also the Capitan of the Black River Owls Drill Team. He was a Life Member of the Carthage B.P.O.E Elks Lodge, Life Member. Vice Commander, Member of the Executive Committee and Firing Squad director of the Black River American Legion. He also officiated youth sports for several years throughout Northern New York.

Among his survivors are two daughters, Debbie L. Canale, Jacksonville, FL, Donna P. Stella, Lake Bonaparte, NY; two brothers and a sister in law, Ronald Perkins, Manchester, NH, Gary and Connie Perkins, Andrews, NC; a sister and brother in law; Judy and Tom Hastings, Orlando, FL; four grandchildren, Patrick and Kelly Stella , Andrea Philips ,Richard Canale, , Margo Stella and her fiancé Anthony Jenkins ,all of Florida, three great grandchildren, Jackson, Braden and Addison Phillips ,several nieces and nephews. A sister, Rosie McKenna died before him.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to Noon Friday at St. Paul's Catholic Church, .A Funeral Mass will be said at Noon on Friday, May 13 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Black River.  A committal service with military honors will follow at the church. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad or Black River American Legion, Post 673, Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River. Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.