Thomas Charles Perrine

Thomas "Tom" Charles Perrine was born in Springfield, MA to Raymond and Dorothy Perrine, nee Sebolt, both of whom preceded him in death. Tom leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years Rosemarie "Rose", nee Wansick; his sister Patricia Thieme, nee Perrine, and her sons Robert and Daniel; his son Thomas Perrine, Jr. and his wife Carolyn and their daughter Sydney; his daughter Sheila Cimino and her husband, John, and their children John Cimino, Jr. and his wife Miranda, Kelly Kelley and her husband Travis, and their daughters Kaitlynn and Kimberly, and Alicia Southers and her husband Steven.

Tom grew up in Springfield, MA. Like most families, his family struggled due to the rationing and restrictions imposed due to World War II. He later attended and graduated from the Technical High School of Springfield in the class of 1957. While there, he served on the Student Council. After high school, he became an apprentice at Cheney Bigelow Wire Works in Springfield. He eventually worked his way up to a full-time position as a wire weaver. At the time, wire weaving was a demanding and dangerous job, but one for which Tom excelled.

Tom met Rose on a blind date while she was attending the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. He was smitten with her instantly and had to pursue her until his feelings were finally reciprocated. They were married at St. Stanislaus Church in West Warren, MA on 9/29/1962. They have been nearly inseparable ever since.

In Dec. of 1970, Tom took his family on vacation to Florida, where he fell in love with the warm weather and lack of snow. Shortly after returning from vacation, Tom and Rose moved the family to Orlando, FL in 1971. While in Florida, Tom worked a variety of different jobs, including as a Manager Trainee for Eckerd Drugs, as a milkman for Borden Dairy, and held a number of positions of varying levels in the Orange County Government, "The County". Tom worked for The County for 25 years until he retired in 1997. He was very proud of the work that he, his co-workers, and subordinates performed in maintaining Orange County's roadways and stormwater management system. After retirement, he liked to regale family, friends, and acquaintances about his exploits and accomplishments at The County.

Tom and Rose were avid bowlers throughout their lives. Tom would take Tom, Jr. and Sheila bowling every Saturday and to various tournaments within Florida. He was even a youth bowling coach that taught and guided the next generation of bowlers. He bowled until he was 80 years old. Tom also loved cars and music. He owned numerous cars throughout his life, including a 1955 Pontiac, which was his first, and a 1959 Chevy Super Sport, which he bought brand new. He would often take his family on drives to see the sites and explore new areas. During the drives, the car radio was playing the whole time.

During retirement, Tom and Rose traveled the U.S. by RV. They enjoyed the open road and visiting family and friends around the country. They called Outdoor Resorts of America (ORA) in Melbourne Beach, FL, their home base until finally settling there permanently. Following the Florida hurricanes of 2004, they moved to Heritage Isle in Viera, FL. They recently moved to The Canopy at Hickory Creek in Titusville, FL, where Rose continues to reside.

Tom was a good husband, father, employee, and contributing member of his community throughout his life. He will be missed, but not forgotten by his family and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial , 5950 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00am.

If you knew Tom or his family, please join us in reminiscing and celebrating Tom's life and laying him in his final resting place.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Perrine family.