Jean Zelman Perkins

Son of the late Anna (Robinson) and Louis Perkins, Jean was raised in Brockton, Massachusetts and was the loving husband for 72 years of the late Elinor (Cohen) Perkins. Devoted father of Gary (Marlene), Alan (Sondra) and Larry (Nancy). Cherished grandfather of Heidi (Jon) Kassner, Shlomo (Raaya) Pardes, Hanna (Michael) Crosby, Max (Hilary) Perkins, Danny Perkins, Courtney Perkins, and Jamie Perkins. Proud great grandfather of Talia & Ari Kassner, and Leshem & Kedem Pardes. Loving brother of the late Sonia Goldsmith and Dr. Herbert Perkins. Jean is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jean was known for many things, but his famous saying was “I am a lucky man.” Nothing exemplified this more than meeting and marrying the love of his life, Elinor. They were inseparable until the insidious disease Alzheimer’s took her from him. For over 15 years he cared for her lovingly and not a day went by that he didn’t miss her after she passed.

He grew up happily in Brockton playing city-wide sports and hanging out at the YMHA. After graduating UMASS Amherst, he served in the Navy during World War II on the island of Truk. Upon his return, he followed in his father’s footsteps by working diligently at Perkins Paper (ne. Franklin and Perkins Company Inc.) for over 40 years. He was able to take it from a small paper company located on multiple floors of an old schoolhouse in Brockton, to a thriving multistate 456,000 square foot corporation in Taunton, MA. He was extremely proud of all three of his sons and considered himself lucky enough to work for many years with Gary and Larry in the business. Jean always raved about all three of his daughters-in-law and cherished the relationships they had with each of his sons.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 1 PM, at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA, followed by burial at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva will be held at the home of Gary and Marlene Perkins on Tuesday following burial until 8 PM and will continue Wednesday from 1 to 4 PM and 6 to 9 PM.

Service will be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c24115553879023

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies at MA.CJP.org or the charity of your choice.