Jesse Edwin Perkins

Jesse Edwin Perkins, 73, and Donna Marie (Dow) Perkins, 71 each died in their home in Leesburg, Florida after being married for 50 years. Jesse passed on May 10, 2019 followed by Donna on May 18, 2019. The couple was married on September 3, 1968 in Little Falls, NY. Jesse was born in Cooperstown, NY on May 24, 1945 and grew up at Lake View Cabins on Canadarago Lake where he was an accomplished water skier during his teen years. Jesse graduated from Richfield Springs Central School in 1963. He was a varsity football player and a highly ranked wrestler in the 127 lb. weight class in high school. Jesse served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1963 until 1967. He was an electrician on the U.S.S. LaSalle and completed tours of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Seas. After the Navy, Jesse worked in the Montgomery Ward store in Herkimer, NY for many years, becoming the Appliance Department Manager and later the Automotive Department Manager before moving to Orlando, Florida in 1985. He was a little league coach, pop warner football coach and a proud leader of the ADAPT chapter in Richfield Springs. While in Florida, he worked at Montgomery Ward, K-Mart, and as a fork lift salesman. He was a passionate supporter of the University of Florida football team. Donna was born in Walton, NY on January 24, 1948 and grew up in Unadilla, NY. She graduated from Unadilla Central School in 1966. The two met shortly after and married. Donna worked at the Perkins family business and many years as a receptionist for Dr. Enzian in Utica, NY. After moving to Orlando, FL in 1985, she ran a home day care until 1994. She retired working at the Clermont National Training Center as the medical transcriptionist. Donna's passion in life was showing love for her family and friends. She most enjoyed fun and adventurous time with her sisters, making everlasting memories with her children and adoring her grandchildren. She was an avid crafter and enjoyed sharing her talent with the ones she loved. Jesse and Donna are survived by their three children: Jesse Edwin (Tina) Perkins II of Tampa FL, Robin (Steve) Stroich of Middleburg, FL and Kerri (Tony) Shumpert of Kingsland, GA; three beloved grandchildren Hannah, Jackson, and Katharine Grace and several nieces and nephews. Jesse's brother Larry (Felice Clark) Perkins of Liverpool, NY, sister Debbie (Phil) Jones of Arlington, VA. Donna's mother Marjorie Dow of Ocoee, FL, sister Deborah Hill of Eustis, FL and brother Danny (Trish) Dow of Ocoee, FL. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins will be cremated and buried in Schuyler Lake, NY at a later date.

Jesse Edwin Perkins

May 24, 1945 - May 10, 2019