HONORABLE STEPHEN LOUIS PERKINS

PORTLAND – The Honorable Stephen Louis Perkins passed away Oct. 23, 2008, after a long illness. Stephen, at his request, died at home surrounded by his loving family. He was a distinguished attorney, legislator and judge, and resided most of his life in the Portland area. Born Jan. 7, 1933, in Newport, Stephen was the son of Beatrice (Eldridge) and Carle Perkins. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1951, and briefly attended the University of Maine, Orono, prior to his military service. During the Korean War, Stephen served in the U.S. Army in Germany until 1954, graduating at the top of his class from Officer Training School. After his military service, he returned to school and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono. In 1958 he graduated from University of Maine Law School and began private law practice in Scarborough, and later in Portland with Thomas Monaghan as Monaghan and Perkins, Attorneys at Law. After serving many local causes, he was elected to the 106th and 107th state legislatures. He was appointed by Gov. Longley as District Court Judge in 1976. He was later appointed to the Maine Superior Court and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1993. Stephen is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Marilyn; and his devoted family, including children, Kathy and her husband, Dave McKechnie, Kim and her husband, Mike Kelley, Reese and his wife, Robin Perkins, Tammy and her husband, Kevin Riley, and Darcy and her husband, Jon Newton; as well as 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, whom he loved spending time with. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald of Maryland. He was predeceased by his brother, Roland Perkins; and his sister, Romona Mack. Stephen’s family would especially like to thank the folks at Comfort Keepers, Beacon Hospice, Gentiva Home Health and Mercy Hospital, as well as Drs. Green and Drasby for Stephen’s care during his final days. Visiting hours will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 611 Main St., South Portland. Interment will be at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. A reception will be after the burial at St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Center, 5 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com. <>