Thomas A. Perkins, 56, of Town Farm Road, lifelong of Ipswich, died early Friday November 7, 2008 in his home following his extended illness.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia November 24, 1951, he was the son of the late Terrance F. and Eleanor C. (Wallace) Perkins. He was a member of the Ipswich High School Class of 1969. During high school he was the co-owner of the Thatasense Shop on Central Street, and with his friends started the original teen Drop in Center. He enlisted in the US Army during the Viet Nam era, serving in Germany as a payroll clerk. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Ipswich. For several years he was employed as a cook at the former Henrich House Restaurant. He was an active member and past Commander of the Ipswich Amvets Post 201. Following the death of his father he became caregiver and companion to his mother in Spring Hill Florida. He enjoyed traveling to Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe, often with his mother, and returned to Ipswich after her death. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his brothers, Terrance R. Perkins and his wife Yvonne of Tamworth, NH, Timothy S. Perkins of Ipswich, and Tobin C. Perkins and his wife Lee-Ann of Ipswich, and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Monday November 10  at 10am in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich, followed by interment with Military Honors in the Cowles Memorial Cemetery, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Visiting hours are Sunday 4 to 7 pm. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the National DAV Chaplains Fund, Box 14301, Cincinatti, OH 45250-0301.